Heavy rain batters Maharashtra; Mumbai Metro station flooded days after inauguration

Relentless monsoon rains have caused widespread disruption across several districts of Maharashtra, claiming one life and prompting the rescue of at least 48 people. In Mumbai, the financial capital of India, torrential downpours have led to severe waterlogging, including the partial shutdown of a newly inaugurated underground metro station.

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The incident occurred at the Worli station on Mumbai's Aqua Line (Metro Line-3), which was inaugurated just days ago. Due to the intense rainfall, the station’s underground section became heavily waterlogged, severely affecting movement and operations. Videos of the flooded metro station have gone viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from citizens and sparking questions over planning and drainage infrastructure.

In response, metro authorities suspended services at the affected station to prevent any untoward incidents. Water also overflowed onto the skywalk connected to the station, which had already been closed, though some commuters were still seen walking across it.

Public outrage has grown over the lack of proper drainage planning during construction. The city is witnessing record-breaking rainfall, with Colaba recording 295 mm—surpassing a 107-year-old record set in May 1918. This is the heaviest May rainfall Mumbai has experienced in the last 75 years.

The early arrival of the southwest monsoon by 16 days has triggered chaos in the city, disrupting normal life and exposing urban vulnerabilities.