Mumbai rains: Local trains, traffic movement resumes

Local trains in Mumbai are in the route to recovery as service in Mumbai's Central and Western lines have resumed late night, on 29 August.
Thane-Kalyan slow local train has commenced its service on the central line, whereas, in the Western line, first train from Churchgate to Virar started at 11:58 pm.

According to Hemant Nagrale, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, as the traffic position in Mumbai city has improved in a way, the traffic from Goa- Mumbai and Pune - Mumbai highway has been released.

Mumbai on 29 August recorded 297.6mm rain in 9 hours (8:30am-5:30pm), higher than any 24-hour rain in August in a decade.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that due to IMD warnings, people in Mumbai and areas around the city are advised to stay home unless there is an emergency.

Fadnavis also instructed suspension of toll collection at all Mumbai entry points and sea link till situation is back to normal.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde said that all educational institutions in Mumbai will remain closed tomorrow.

President Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minsiter Rajnath Singh expressed concern over the heavy downpour in Mumbai.

President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted, "Thoughts with families, especially children, in Mumbai & western parts of country hit by heavy downpour."

"Govt and public agencies taking all steps amid heavy rains. Glad to note voluntary groups and citizens too coming together (sic)," he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too assured full assistance to the state government in mitigating the situation.

In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said that he also spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the situation arising due to incessant rain.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he spoke to Fadnavis and promised all possible support from the Centre.

"Had a telephonic conversation with Maharashtra CM Shri @Dev_Fadnavis regarding the situation due to heavy rains in Mumbai and nearby areas (sic)," he tweeted.

"I also assured the Maharashtra CM of all possible help from the Centre. The NDRF teams have already reached Mumbai for rescue & relief ops (sic)," his another tweet said.

Indian Navy said that it had pressed five flood rescue teams and two diving teams to render assistance at different locations across Mumbai.

The rains have come when the city is celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesh pandals have come forward to help out people stranded in the rains. And, Gurudwaras have also come forward to serve langar (food) to needy people.

Siddhivinayak temple is providing shelter, tea and snacks to people stuck in the area. 

-ANI