Western Railway (WR) has stepped up its monsoon preparedness efforts across Mumbai’s suburban railway network ahead of the rainy season, with authorities undertaking large-scale drainage cleaning, flood mitigation, and infrastructure strengthening works to ensure uninterrupted train operations.
WR officials said the railway network witnessed no major service disruptions due to monsoon-related flooding over the past two years and expressed confidence that extensive preparations this year would help maintain smooth suburban services during heavy rainfall.
According to a press release issued by WR Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek, the railway administration has launched a comprehensive monsoon action plan involving preventive measures, contingency arrangements, and technological interventions.
The railway authorities said cleaning and desilting work has been carried out on culverts, nullahs, and drains across the suburban section. Out of 58 culverts and bridge waterways identified for cleaning, nearly 90 per cent work has already been completed. Desilting and cleaning of around 60 km of drains is also underway, with over 50 km completed so far.
To tackle waterlogging, WR has installed 126 high-capacity dewatering pumps at vulnerable locations across the suburban section, marking an increase of around 10 per cent compared to last year. Spare pumps have also been kept ready for emergency deployment.
The railway administration has additionally installed 40 flood gauges and six automated digital rain gauges at strategic locations for real-time rainfall and water-level monitoring. SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition)-based water level monitoring devices have also been deployed at vulnerable bridges to facilitate continuous monitoring and timely alerts.
WR installs 126 dewatering pumps, expands micro-tunnelling works
Officials said around 480 trips of muck special trains have been operated since the last monsoon season to remove garbage, muck and excavated earth from tracks and surrounding areas. JCBs, Poclain machines, and suction-de-sludging machines are also being used for cleaning operations.
As part of efforts to improve storm-water discharge capacity, WR is undertaking micro-tunnelling works using 1,200 mm and 1,800 mm diameter pipes. The number of micro-tunnel pipe openings between the Churchgate and Virar section has now increased to 19 locations.
The railway administration said vulnerable and flood-prone locations have been identified and corrective measures, including track lifting and additional drainage arrangements, have been implemented. Tree-trimming activities are also being carried out near railway tracks to prevent obstruction during strong winds and heavy rain.
WR officials have also conducted joint inspections with civic bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) and Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), to review monsoon preparedness and related infrastructure works.
The railway administration said special attention has been given to previously vulnerable locations such as Matunga Road and Vasai Road stations, where drainage systems, track levels and storm-water discharge mechanisms have been strengthened.
WR said monsoon patrolmen, bridge guards, and watchmen would be deployed at vulnerable locations during the rainy season, while emergency materials such as rubble and quarry dust have been stocked for rapid response operations.
