Mumbai

Mumbai Metro Takes Action Against Monsoon Flooding

Administration's Preparations for Underground Metro System During Rainy Season

27th May 2025 at 9:56 PM
2 minutes read
Mumbai Metro station entrance during a heavy monsoon downpour, with rain preparedness measures underway.

Mumbai: The early onset of monsoon in Mumbai significantly impacted public life, leading to the suspension of various public transportation services. Railway tracks near Masjid Bunder railway station on Central Railway were submerged, while Mumbai’s first underground metro (Metro-3) stations also experienced flooding, putting the administration under scrutiny. Subsequently, Mumbai Metro claimed to have implemented crucial measures to prevent such disruptions during future monsoon seasons.

Metro-3 services operated on the Aarey-JVLR-Worli route. The metro ran from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with authorities informing citizens through social media announcements. Metro Managing Director Ashwini Bhide stated that while Mumbai’s underground metro was affected by heavy rainfall, services were quickly restored. With thousands of daily commuters relying on the system, officials assured that such situations would not recur in the future.

The Maha Mumbai Metro Operations Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) developed a comprehensive strategy for Metro Lines 2A and 7 to ensure safety and smooth operations during the monsoon period. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) expressed confidence that these implemented measures would provide uninterrupted, efficient, and safe metro services for Mumbai residents.

Key Monsoon Preparedness Measures:

1. Weather Monitoring Enhancement: Wind speed anemometers have been installed at 10 critical stations across Metro Lines 2A and 7 to continuously monitor current weather conditions, improving decision-making capabilities.

2. Service Frequency Optimization: Metro service frequency has been increased in flood-prone areas to facilitate passenger movement and reduce waiting times.

3. Enhanced Surveillance: Each metro station now features a minimum of 64 high-definition CCTV cameras with 24/7 monitoring for security and oversight purposes.

4. Emergency Response Preparation: A dedicated emergency coach has been prepared for Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s disaster management team to provide immediate assistance during crisis situations.

5. Equipment Testing and Readiness: DG sets, UPS systems, lightning arresters, earthing systems, and dewatering pumps have been tested and kept ready at 30 stations and Charkop depot.

6. Train Waterproofing: All 34 metro trains have undergone comprehensive waterproof testing to ensure no water leakage during heavy rainfall, guaranteeing safe and comfortable travel for passengers.

7. Infrastructure Cleaning: Complete cleaning of the entire 35-kilometer viaduct has been completed, including roof gutters, rainwater drainage pipes, saucer drains, median chambers, and drainage lines at 30 stations.

8. Electrical Safety Measures: Maintenance and inspection of over 759 electrical insulators across 34 switchgear units have been completed, including 25 kV cables (from three receiving substations to feeding posts), transformer bushings, CTs, PTs, lightning arresters, neutral isolators, and heaters to ensure electrical safety throughout the system.

Operational Readiness

Separate nodal officers have been appointed for each project to oversee on-site preparations. Vehicles for pothole filling and water pumping equipment have been pre-positioned at key locations. Additionally, traffic wardens have been deployed around metro stations to manage pedestrians and traffic during the monsoon season, ensuring safety and smooth service delivery.

An advanced control room operates 24/7 with live monitoring facilities and is connected to Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Room through a dedicated hotline system.

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27th May 2025 at 9:56 PM
2 minutes read
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