Western Railway ramps up pre-monsoon plan to prevent Mumbai local train disruptions

A specialised suction and de-sludging machine, which is being used to clean culverts. PICS courtesy/Western Railway

For the first time, railway preparations are being synchronised with municipal bodies and even lake-overflow inspections (Powai, Vihar, Tulsi) because suburban flooding often begins outside railway land. Earlier, trains slowed down because water had nowhere to go. This year, the railway is literally creating exit routes for water.

Micro-tunnelling work is being carried out to increase discharge capacity

Even before the first pre-monsoon showers, Western Railway (WR) has started an unusually aggressive preparedness drive across the Churchgate-Virar suburban network - and the shift this year is strategic: the focus has moved from post-flood response to pre-flood prevention.

New drains being constructed between Dadar and Prabhadevi railway stations

After achieving zero monsoon-related service disruptions last year, WR says it is raising the bar further in 2026 with more pumps, deeper drain cleaning, micro-tunnelling works and real-time monitoring systems. WR is trying to ensure that even during heavy rainfall and high tide conditions, services continue without disruption.

Trains may slow down during extreme water accumulation - as per railway safety rules - but the focus remains on keeping the lifeline running safely rather than suspending services.

Jump in 2026

Dewatering pumps increased from 104 to 126
Drain cleaning target raised from 55.8 km to 60 km
Flood gauges increased from 36 to 40
Automated digital rain gauges increased from five to six
Muck special train trips increased from 520 to 600

What's new?

>> Micro-tunnelling under tracks to drain water faster
>> Real-time bridge water-level alert system
>> Drone monitoring of nullah cleaning
>> Pre-tested pumps instead of emergency deployment
>> High-risk corridors mapped
>> Lake and dam inspections included in rail plan

Ground-level readiness

>> Patrol charts issued before monsoon onset
>> Deployment of stationary and moving watchmen
>> Tree trimming and removal (over 90 per cent completed)
>> Construction of new drains and retaining walls in flood-prone sections
>> Daily pump trials planned during the rainy season