Mumbai Rain Fury: WFH for Private Offices, Mumbai-Pune Highway Blocked by Landslide

Mumbai (IANS): A relentless monsoon onslaught has crippled Maharashtra, forcing the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) to advise private companies in Mumbai on Monday to implement work-from-home (WFH) protocols. The state has also ordered non-essential government offices to shut down after half a day as a fierce red alert grips the region.

With heavy rain and gusty winds hammering the state for the third consecutive day, the SDMA issued a stark warning for July 6–7: “Avoid unnecessary travel, flooded roads, waterfalls, and ghat sections. Call helplines 112, 1070, or 1077 in an emergency.”

Even the judiciary adjusted to the chaos. The Bombay High Court Registrar General announced that, per the Acting Chief Justice’s orders, staff living in distant areas who cannot commute due to the deluge will not be marked absent.

Mumbai-Pune Transit Grinds to a Halt

Travel between Mumbai and Pune has collapsed entirely after a massive landslide hit the newly constructed ‘Missing Link’ expressway project, completely blocking vehicular traffic.

Compounding the highway closure, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) suspended all Mumbai-Pune ST bus operations until further notice, leaving lakhs of intercity commuters stranded.

Railway Lifeline Fractured

The downpour has severely disrupted Mumbai’s lifeline—the local train network—causing widespread chaos for peak-hour commuters.

• Central Line: Flash floods washed away the stone ballast beneath the tracks between Karjat and Khopoli. Alert railway staff spotted the damage just in time to halt train services and prevent a disaster. Engineering teams are currently working on a war footing to restore the tracks. Meanwhile, central local trains are running at least 15 minutes late, triggering massive crowds and tempers at Kalyan station.
• Western Line: Severe waterlogging between Vasai Road and Virar stations has delayed suburban locals by 15 to 20 minutes, forcing the railway administration to issue an advisory urging passengers to factor in heavy delays.

Flood Threats Loom Large

What started as a welcome relief from the sweltering summer heat has rapidly escalated into a statewide hazard. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Mumbai and several coastal cities under a strict ‘Red Alert,’ while neighboring regions remain under an ‘Orange Alert.’

Authorities are now on high alert for potential flooding in vulnerable coastal areas, including Raigad, Chiplun, and Ratnagiri, as rivers swell and landslides continue to block vital arterial routes.