The normal life in Mumbai was thrown out of gear on Thursday due to heavy rainfall with air and vehicular traffic getting affected badly, resulting in trouble for commuters.
A number of flights were disrupted, reports said, adding that the rain caused significant disruptions at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
It also resulted in poor visibility which in turn led to a brief suspension of flight operations at 1036 hours, they added.
However, the operations resumed a few minutes after visibility was recorded at 1000 meters, and the Runway Visual Range (RVR) at 1200 meters.
Air India, the flag carrier airline of India, informed the passengers through social media by issuing an advisory that flights to and from Mumbai could be delayed due to the severe weather conditions.
“Flights to and from Mumbai may get affected due to heavy rains. Guests are advised to start early for the airport, as slow traffic and waterlogging may delay movement,” Air India said.
The reports said Andheri subway was closed to vehicular traffic due to waterlogging, further straining the city’s already congested roads.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in the city issued a nowcast warning at 10:00 am, predicting intense to very intense spells of rain in isolated areas across Mumbai, its suburbs, Thane, Raigad, and the Ghat regions of Pune over the next 3-4 hours.
The rain has also affected railway services, with many rerouted to operate.
Local trains are running at a lower speed because of reduced visibility in view of the heavy rainfall and high wind speed, a Central Railway official said.
Waterlogging was reported in several areas like the Bhandup pumping station, Vikhroli, and near King Circle.
Around 6 am, a tree got uprooted at Kalanagar near Matoshree Bungalow in Bandra east, disrupting the normal vehicular traffic for about an hour.
