A relentless downpour has battered Mumbai and large parts of Maharashtra, prompting a Red Alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city is witnessing massive disruptions to local trains, flights, and road traffic, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Train Services Suspended, Passengers Stranded

Mumbai’s local train network, the city’s lifeline, has been severely hit. The Central Railway has suspended services on the Harbour Line between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kurla, and on the mainline between CSMT and Thane due to waterlogged tracks. The suspension has left thousands of commuters stranded during peak hours.

People walking on Tracks from Kurla towards CST. Hardship of Mumbaikars #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/h1k593bFtF

— Mumbai Nowcast (@s_r_khandelwal) August 19, 2025

In addition, two trains have been rescheduled, and other routes are running with delays of 20–30 minutes. Sections around Dadar, Matunga, Parel, and Sion reported waterlogging on tracks.

VIDEO | Mumbai: Heavy rainfall triggers severe waterlogging in Wadala Char Rasta area.

(Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/dv5TRARJn4) pic.twitter.com/maKADjdaBl

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 19, 2025

Flights Delayed, Airport Operations Disrupted

Heavy rainfall has also impacted operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, with eight flights diverted and over 250 flights delayed,155 departures and 102 arrivals. Airlines like IndiGo and Akasa Air have issued advisories, urging passengers to leave early and check flight status before heading to the airport.

#TravelUpdate: Due to heavy rainfall in certain parts of Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, Pune, and Guwahati, we anticipate slow moving traffic and congestion on roads leading to the airport.

To ensure a seamless travel experience, we request you to plan for additional travel time to…

— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) August 19, 2025

Mithi River Crosses Danger Mark

The Mithi River in Kurla crossed the danger level of 4 metres, currently flowing at 3.10 metres. Residents in Krantinagar (Kurla West) are being evacuated, especially in low-lying areas on airport land prone to flooding.

Severe Road Waterlogging and Traffic Jams

Mumbai’s roadways are flooded across multiple areas. Major junctions like Wadala Char Rasta, Dadar TT, Gandhi Market (Sion), and Andheri Subway are submerged, bringing traffic to a halt. In Vikhroli, Parel, and Vasai, residents report knee-deep water, affecting both vehicular and pedestrian movement.

In Thane, heavy waterlogging was reported near the Tehsildar Office, Majiwada, and Vrindavan area, while in Vasai, up to 400 people are trapped in Mithagar and Evershine Road.

Schools, Offices Closed; CM Issues Advisory

The Maharashtra government declared a holiday for all schools, anganwadi centres, and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. The BMC closed all government and semi-government offices (except essential services) and requested private offices to allow work-from-home.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis urged people to remain cautious, warning of continued showers and high tides until August 21.

Toll Rises: 12 Dead Across Maharashtra

Heavy rains have taken a tragic turn with 12 reported fatalities, including nine deaths in Nanded due to severe flooding. In Beed, a car was swept away, killing one person and stranding three others.

Authorities continue to be on high alert as the state braces for more rainfall in the coming days.