Most modes of public transport in Mumbai remained functional through Monday’s heaviest rain, with the good old Western Railway running without a break, Central Railway crippled due to issues on the Harbour line, and newer modes like the Metro proving to be a saviour.

Suburban railways

A mix of technology and coordination kept Western Railway services afloat despite heavy waterlogging at Matunga station, where overflowing drains left no gradient for rainwater to flow out. “Matunga Road station has eight pumps — five by BMC and three by WR — but drains on Senapati Bapat Road and the Dharavi nullah were overflowing. Despite this, trains kept moving due to Digital Axle Counters (DACs), which rely on wheel sensors instead of current through rails and remain unaffected by flooding,” a WR spokesperson said.