A lot of buses, taxis, and autos were diverted that had to pass through water-logged roads in Mumbai on Tuesday. The number of running taxis and auto-rickshaws were also less due to water logging amid heavy rainfall. There were at least 15-20 per cent lesser black and yellow taxis and autos on road.
The buses run by Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) saw multiple diversions throughout the day and were delayed as well amid the heavy downpour in the city for the last two days. According to BEST officials, they diverted at least 50 bus routes as 11 roads were affected by water logging and rains.
During the peak hours, especially in the evening, the buses and bus stops were fully crowded as the buses were also running late due to traffic jams all across Mumbai. During the first half of the day, there were at least five major roads on which diversions and delays were seen while the remaining six roads were affected in the second half.
Hindmata, Maheshwari Udyan and Gandhi Market passing remained the most affected routes wherein the two routes saw almost 20 bus routes getting diverted. Likewise, taxis and auto-rickshaws were also less on the roads.
Heavy rains dissuaded the drivers from bringing the black and yellow modes of public transport on road. The unions claim that around 15-20 per cent of autos and taxis were not on road.
"Due to heavy rains, many taxis and auto-rickshaws were off the road," said A Quadros, veteran taxi union leader.
The drivers claimed that it becomes a task to ride during rains as it gets stuffy keeping windows down and if we open the windows then our seats get wet. Similarly, the auto-rickshaw drivers claim that due to the potholes, their vehicles get damaged especially in rains.
"Around 15 per cent of autos could be easily off-road. The problem that drivers face is that during water logging, the potholes are not visible and this affects the suspension of the vehicle and even the CNG tank," said Thampi Kurien, an auto-rickshaw union leader.
