12 June,2026 08:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MS
The defunct box drain discovered during an investigation into recurring flooding at the Malad subway
A defunct underground box drain discovered during an investigation into recurring flooding at the Malad subway could offer a long-term solution to one of the area's most persistent monsoon problems, according to BJP corporator Adv. Siddharth Sharma.
The Ward 36 corporator said the drain, which connects to the nearby Saptarshi nullah, appears to have been abandoned for years and has accumulated massive quantities of silt. Initial cleaning has already removed three truckloads of debris, while an estimated 50 to 60 truckloads remain trapped inside.
Sharma urged the administration to restore and clean the drain, claiming it could significantly reduce waterlogging at the busy east-west connector.
According to Sharma, anecdotal accounts gathered from local shopkeepers suggest the drain has been neglected for decades. "A 75-year-old shopkeeper in the area confirmed that the drain existed during his childhood days and was constructed in 1962. However, he also confirmed that no one from the BMC has cleaned the drain at least since 2006 or 2010," said Sharma.
The Malad subway, which floods between five and eight times every monsoon season, disrupting traffic
"My efforts are aimed at finding a permanent solution to this long-standing problem faced by the residents of Malad, putting an end to the monsoon-related hardships they endure and ensuring the Malad subway becomes truly free from waterlogging."
- Adv Siddharth Sharma
A senior civic official said the administration is examining whether the abandoned drain can play a role in reducing flooding. "We need to go back into our records and inspect why it was abandoned in the first place. If this drain proves to be the solution, we will take a well-thought-out decision to reinstate it."
- Senior civic official
>> Larger access chamber constructed
>> Robotic inspection is needed as per advocate Sharma
>> Detailed cleaning of the entire drain proposed
>> Assessment of the drain's role in subway flooding underway
What was found?
>> A defunct underground box drain adjoining the Saptarshi nullah in Malad
>> Drain believed to have been constructed in 1962
>> Local shopkeepers claim it has not been cleaned since at least 2006-2010
>> Three truckloads of debris and silt were removed during initial cleaning
>> Missing link detected within the underground drainage system
>> An estimated 50-60 truckloads of silt still remain inside
>> Drain ultimately connects to the Saptarshi nullah
>> Vehicles enter the subway unaware that it is flooded
>> Motorists are forced to turn back through Sainath Road
>> Bottlenecks develop near the Bata showroom
>> Traffic stretches from MTNL Junction to the Marve Road signal
>> Congestion spills onto adjoining roads
>> When the subway closes, commuters travelling between Malad East and West must use longer routes via Akurli Road in Kandivli or the MTNL flyover on the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road.
On Wednesday Advocate Sharma met with Additional Commissioner Abhijit Bangar "On Wednesday, BMC moved the suction machines to the nullah, and they have started cleaning the nullah. Since BMC started cleaning the drain, about 10 more trucks of silt have been removed from the nullah," Sharma said.
Abid Beg, Malad East resident
âMy driver and a friend were bringing my Scorpio jeep when they entered the subway without realising the depth of the water. The vehicle got submerged, and both lost their lives. Our family has still not recovered from the shock. If corrective work is not carried out this year and another accident occurs, who will be held responsible?'
Chetan Mahobiya, Malad West resident
âI urge BMC officials and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure that a permanent solution is implemented at the earliest'
Vishal Gupta, Charkop resident
âRegular use of the subway saves not only time but also money. With petrol and diesel prices already putting pressure on household budgets, the closure of the subway leads to additional fuel consumption and unnecessary expenses for commuters'
Key fact Details
Flooding frequency 5 to 8 times every monsoon season
Monsoon period June to September
Existing pumps 2 dewatering pumps
Location of pumps One on east side, one on west side
Estimated silt removed 3 truckloads
Estimated silt still inside drain 50-60 truckloads
Additional travel when subway closes 3-4 km
