BMC And Railway Authorities Fast-Track Infrastructure Improvements To Prevent Waterlogging Ahead Of Monsoon At Chronic Locations

Mumbai: With only three months remaining before the monsoon, the BMC has yet to tackle waterlogging at chronic locations Maharashtra Nagar, Matunga, Chunabhatti and Bhandup stations, which caused major disruptions last year.

In a joint meeting with railway authorities on Tuesday, the BMC administration directed officials to fast-track infrastructure improvements, aiming to complete all work by May 31 and ensure these areas are flood-free ahead of the upcoming monsoon.

Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar held a review meeting at the BMC headquarters on Tuesday, attended by officials from the Storm Water Drain (SWD) and Bridge departments, as well as railway authorities.

The meeting focused on addressing the chronic waterlogging issues at two critical locations, Chunabhatti and Bhandup. Civic officials proposed upgrading the 5x5 meter storage tank at pumping station in Maharashtra Nagar Subway to 15x6 meters, requiring railway land. Bangar instructed prompt coordination with Railways to invite tender for the work and ensure its completion by May 31.

At the Chunabhatti railway station, the SWD has proposed installing two high-capacity pumps to direct rainwater from the Highway Society into the drain, preventing it from reaching the station. However, concerns about its effectiveness led to an alternative proposal to reroute the SWD pipeline across the highway, diverting water outside the slum area and connecting it to an existing drain towards the Mithi River. "If viable, implement it immediately," instructed Bangar.

The Bridge Department is addressing waterlogging at Usha Nagar, Bhandup, by demolishing the dilapidated bridge and relocating the parallel SWD pipeline by May 15. At Matunga, the Railway Authority is expanding the rainwater drainage system beneath the tracks, with a decision made to extend it by 800 meters for better efficiency.

Bangar said, "With three months to the monsoon, the Railway and BMC officials must coordinate closely to complete work quickly, preventing waterlogging on railway tracks and ensuring uninterrupted suburban services."

He instructed the installation of sump pumps at key locations for efficient drainage and directed regular cleaning of silt, debris, and drains on railway premises.