Mumbai Subways to Close for Safety in Heavy Rains

MUMBAI: In a proactive measure to prevent accidents and casualties during the monsoon season, the Mumbai Traffic Police have announced that subways will be closed to traffic if the water level exceeds half a foot and heavy rainfall persists. This decision aims to mitigate the risks of vehicles breaking down or being swept away in waterlogged areas.

The move aligns with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s ‘Zero Casualty Mission,’ which was launched last month to reduce casualties during the rainy season. “Previously, we deployed traffic police personnel to manually stop motorists from entering waterlogged subways, but compliance was inconsistent,” a police officer explained. The new strategy involves more robust measures, including barricades and traffic diversions.

To manage waterlogging effectively, an 8-10 member team from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will be on standby around the clock. This team will have cranes and large ropes ready to assist any vehicle that becomes stuck. “Markings indicating different water levels have been placed in subways, and a digital signboard at Andheri subway will inform motorists of its status,” an officer stated. The Traffic Police have coordinated with BEST to ensure rapid response teams are available to address broken-down buses. In the western suburbs, such teams have been positioned at Vakola and Jogeshwari. Additionally, the Traffic Department will halt road maintenance works during the monsoon to ensure roads remain clear for traffic. However, major infrastructure projects, such as the Metro construction, will continue as planned.

To address the perennial issue of potholes, traffic police from each chowky will liaise with the BMC’s road department. The BMC has committed to filling potholes within 24 hours of notification. To facilitate public reporting, the BMC has published a list of WhatsApp numbers for sub-engineers in each ward, enabling citizens to lodge complaints about potholes promptly. These measures reflect a comprehensive approach to enhance safety and minimize disruptions during Mumbai’s notoriously heavy monsoon season. The integration of real-time monitoring, rapid response teams, and public engagement aims to create a more resilient urban environment. Traffic police officials emphasized the importance of public cooperation and awareness in ensuring the effectiveness of these measures. Motorists are encouraged to stay informed through digital signboards and to heed traffic diversions and closures. The proactive deployment of BMC teams with the necessary equipment underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining traffic flow and preventing mishaps in waterlogged subways.

Moreover, the collaboration between the Traffic Police and BEST is designed to ensure that public transport remains as reliable as possible despite adverse weather conditions. This partnership is crucial for the large number of commuters who depend on public buses for their daily travel. The decision to suspend road maintenance during the monsoon, except for essential infrastructure projects, reflects a strategic prioritization of resources. This approach aims to keep the city’s roadways in optimal condition for traffic movement while ensuring that critical long-term projects, such as the Metro, continue to progress. The BMC’s initiative to quickly address potholes and its efforts to facilitate public reporting through WhatsApp show a commitment to responsive governance. By engaging the public directly in infrastructure maintenance, the city hopes to foster a more collaborative and efficient approach to managing its urban landscape.