Heavy rains in Thane: Traffic advisory issued; commuters asked to use alternate routes

Large volumes of water have accumulated along some of the critical routes, officials said. Representational Pic/File

Heavy rainfall has caused waterlogging in parts of Thane district in Maharashtra, leading to major disruptions for commuters on Wednesday.

According to the officials, large volumes of water have accumulated along the critical MM Valley-Green Park-Y Junction route, making it impassable for regular traffic.

In response to the rising water levels, the Thane City Police have issued an urgent travel advisory, requesting citizens to avoid entering waterlogged areas in city unless it is absolutely necessary.

Key traffic diversions put in place

To keep the traffic moving amid heavy rains and prevent further gridlock, the officials have set up major diversions for vehicles travelling from neighbouring regions.

Travelling from Panvel: Commuters are advised to take the alternative route via Airoli and Navi Mumbai.

Travelling from Nashik: Drivers should divert through the Mulund-Airoli route to bypass the flooded zones.

While the drainage work is being carried out as a matter of urgency, motorists have been advised to remain patient, plan their journeys in advance, and strictly follow the alternative routes provided by the traffic police.

Thane records 71.59-mm rainfall

Neighbouring Thane also received steady rainfall throughout the day.

According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the city recorded 71.59 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm on Wednesday.

The highest hourly rainfall during the period was recorded between 9.30 am and 10.30 am, when 16.77 mm of rain was received, closely followed by 16.76 mm during the next hour.

The city has received a cumulative rainfall of 482.93 mm so far this monsoon season, compared to 820.24 mm recorded during the corresponding period last year.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued monsoon activity over Mumbai, Thane and adjoining districts, with intermittent spells of moderate to heavy rainfall expected over the next few days.

IMD issues orange alert for Thane

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued an orange alert for Thane, Mumbai and Palghar, warning of heavy showers.

The weather alert mentioned, "Heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places with extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places was likely on July 1."

Heavy rainfall continued across several parts of Thane and Mumbai through Tuesday and Wednesday.