Robbed of their (commuting) lifeline after the bridge collapse, Mumbaikars poured out onto the streets, ignoring the downpour. But that didn't ease their trouble, as many had to wait for hours to find transport, while those who did were charged four times the usual fares, with private cabs and kaali-peelis milking stranded citizens for all that was worth.

"I had to reach Churchgate, but with trains not running, I had no option but to take a kaali-peeli. I came out of the station in Goregaon and tried to hail a cab, but most refused to ply due to the rain and traffic. Those who agreed asked for double the usual fare, including one who asked for Rs 1,500 for the journey that costs around Rs 700," said Rajesh Chavan, one of the stranded commuters who later got a lift in a private car.