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Mumbai Rain News Live: Non-stop Downpour Paralyzes City, Harbour Line Services Suspended

Published

4 weeks ago

August 19, 2025

Mumbai is once again at the mercy of the monsoon as non-stop heavy rainfall since Monday has left India’s financial capital paralyzed. The relentless downpour has submerged railway tracks, triggered massive traffic jams, delayed flights, and forced authorities to suspend classes and offices across several districts.

Local Trains Hit: Harbour Line Services Suspended

The city’s lifeline — its local trains — has been severely disrupted. Harbour Line services were suspended after waterlogging inundated tracks, stranding thousands of commuters during peak hours. Central and Western Railway lines also witnessed delays of 20–40 minutes as trains cautiously navigated waterlogged sections. For Mumbaikars, who depend heavily on suburban trains for daily travel, the suspension has caused major chaos.

Railway authorities deployed pumps to drain water from submerged sections, but services are expected to remain erratic until rainfall intensity reduces. Long queues were seen at bus stops and auto stands as commuters scrambled for alternate transport.

Roads Flooded, Traffic Crawls

The situation was no better on Mumbai’s roads. Key routes including the Western Express Highway, Eastern Freeway, and LBS Marg saw traffic at a standstill, with vehicles moving bumper to bumper through waterlogged stretches. Several underpasses in Sion, Andheri, and Kurla were flooded, leaving cars stranded and adding to the gridlock.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deployed pumping machines in flood-prone areas like Hindmata, King’s Circle, and Parel, but continuous rainfall made relief operations challenging. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and work from home if possible.

Flight Operations Disrupted

At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, several incoming and outgoing flights were delayed, with airlines issuing advisories urging passengers to check schedules before leaving for the airport. A few flights were diverted to nearby airports due to poor visibility and heavy crosswinds. Long queues formed at terminals as anxious passengers waited for updates.

Schools Shut, Offices Closed

As a precautionary measure, the Maharashtra government announced the closure of schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar. Government offices, too, functioned with skeletal staff, while private companies were advised to allow employees to work remotely. Essential services like hospitals and emergency response units, however, continued to operate with extra staff.

Fatalities and Rescue Operations

The heavy rain has also turned deadly. Two people lost their lives in Mumbai — one due to electrocution in Kanjurmarg and another in a wall collapse at Napean Sea Road. In other parts of Maharashtra, at least seven more fatalities were reported, along with significant crop losses in rural belts.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local fire brigades have been deployed in multiple low-lying areas to assist in evacuations and rescue missions. Boats and high-capacity pumps are on standby in districts under red alert.

IMD Issues Red Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. Meteorologists attribute the deluge to a combination of monsoon trough activity and a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea, intensifying rainfall in the Konkan belt.

The IMD has also warned of possible flooding in rivers and reservoirs, urging authorities to maintain strict vigilance. Civic bodies are keeping a close eye on Tulsi, Vihar, and Powai lakes, which supply water to the city, to prevent overflow.

Citizens Struggle but Show Resilience

For residents, the scenes are all too familiar — flooded homes, stranded buses, and knee-deep water in marketplaces. Yet, Mumbaikars continue to show their trademark resilience. Volunteers were seen distributing tea and snacks to stranded passengers at train stations, while local NGOs arranged shelter for those unable to reach home. Social media was flooded with updates, videos, and calls for help, reflecting both the challenges and the community spirit.

What Lies Ahead?

With no respite predicted until mid-week, Mumbai is bracing for more chaos. Authorities have activated emergency control rooms, and BMC’s helpline numbers are being circulated widely. Citizens have been advised to stock up on essentials, avoid flood-prone zones, and stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

For now, Mumbai remains under the grip of a relentless monsoon spell — a reminder of the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the urgent need for long-term flood management solutions.

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PM Modi in Mizoram & Manipur: Historic Railway Launch, Development Push, and First Visit Since Manipur Violence

Published

3 days ago

September 13, 2025

Veer Rana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway station at Sairang, marking the completion of the ₹8,070 crore Bairabi–Sairang Rail Line, a project that finally connects Aizawl to the Indian Railways network. Despite bad weather preventing him from addressing a rally at Aizawl’s Lammual Ground, PM Modi spoke virtually from Lengpui Airport, describing the day as “historic for Mizoram.”

Mizoram: First Rajdhani Express and New Railway Era

Historic Connectivity: Until now, Mizoram’s rail link was limited to the Silchar–Bairabi route in Assam. The new 51 km Bairabi–Sairang line brings Aizawl onto the national railway map for the first time.
Engineering Marvel: The project comprises 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 88 minor bridges, built through challenging hilly terrain.
Flagged Off Services: PM Modi launched Mizoram’s first Rajdhani Express connecting Sairang to Delhi’s Anand Vihar. Two more services—Sairang–Kolkata Express and Sairang–Guwahati Express—were also inaugurated.
Boost for Growth: The line is expected to cut transport costs, boost trade, tourism, and generate jobs while integrating Mizoram with India’s mainstream economy.

PM Modi said, “This is not just a railway line, it is a lifeline that will transform lives in Mizoram.”

PM Modi on Vote Bank Politics in Northeast

During his speech, the Prime Minister also touched upon the political neglect of the Northeast in the past:

Manipur Visit: First Since Ethnic Violence

After Mizoram, PM Modi headed to Manipur, making his first visit since the ethnic violence of May 2023, which displaced thousands and led to President’s Rule being imposed in February 2025.

Churachandpur Visit: Modi is expected to meet internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority district.
Imphal Programmes: In the Meitei-dominated capital, Imphal, he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects worth over ₹3,600 crore, including roads, highways, IT infrastructure, working women’s hostels, and the Ima Markets (the world’s largest all-women-run market).
Symbolic Visit: His visit to both Kuki and Meitei areas is being seen as a strong message of reconciliation and inclusive development.

PM Modi posted on X:
“I will be attending programmes in Churachandpur and Imphal tomorrow. We are fully committed to inclusive and all-round development of Manipur.”

₹71,000 Crore Push for Northeast

The PM’s three-day tour across five Northeastern states includes projects worth over ₹71,000 crore, spanning railways, highways, power, digital infrastructure, and social development initiatives. Officials call it one of the biggest-ever development drives in the region.

Why This Visit Matters

First railway connectivity for Mizoram’s capital.
First Prime Ministerial visit to Manipur since ethnic conflict.
Strong message of inclusive growth and ending neglect of the Northeast.
Massive development boost across five states.

This moment marks both a historic leap in connectivity and a politically significant outreach to one of India’s most sensitive regions.

News

PM Modi Inaugurates Mizoram’s First Railway Station: Key Details of the Bairabi–Sairang Rail Project

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

Veer Rana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Mizoram’s first-ever railway station at Sairang, marking a historic milestone in India’s connectivity drive. The launch of the Bairabi–Sairang New Rail Line Project, valued at over ₹8,070 crore, officially brings Mizoram’s capital onto the Indian Railways map for the first time.

🚉 Historic Railway Inauguration

On Saturday, PM Modi flagged off the first trains from the Sairang railway station, situated about 12 km from Aizawl. This fulfills a long-standing national vision to connect all state capitals in India’s Northeast by rail.

The inauguration was hailed as a landmark moment of inclusive development, aimed at strengthening integration of the Northeast with the rest of the country.

📌 Key Details of the Bairabi–Sairang Project

Length & Route: 51.38 km of railway line built through rugged, hilly terrain of Mizoram.
Engineering Marvel: The project includes 48 tunnels, 142 bridges (55 major, 87 minor), road overbridges, and underbridges.
- Highlight: Bridge No. 196, standing 104 meters tall, is taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar, making it the highest bridge in Mizoram and the second-highest pier bridge in Indian Railways.
Cost & Timeline: Conceived in 1999, the line was completed at a cost of ₹8,070 crore after decades of engineering challenges including landslides and difficult weather.

🌏 Connectivity & Socio-Economic Impact

Regional Link: Aizawl is now the fourth northeastern capital (after Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar) connected to the national railway grid.
Trade & Tourism: The line will reduce dependence on roadways, cut travel costs, and make Mizoram more accessible for business, tourism, and employment.
Future Prospects: Plans are underway to extend the line further toward the Myanmar border, tying in with the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, opening new international trade opportunities.

🚄 Inaugural Train Services

Mizoram’s First Rajdhani Express: Connecting Sairang directly to Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi), covering 2,510 km in 43 hours.
New Express Trains: Direct links to Kolkata and Guwahati, ensuring faster and more reliable connectivity for residents.

🏗️ Symbol of Inclusive Growth

Mizoram Governor and Railway Minister hailed the project as a symbol of inclusive national development, bridging geographic isolation with modern infrastructure.

PM Modi emphasized that such projects embody India’s vision of ensuring equal progress in every corner of the country, no matter how remote.

📖 Conclusion

The inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang rail line is more than a transport milestone—it represents integration, opportunity, and growth for Mizoram and the entire Northeast. From cutting travel time to enhancing economic prospects, the project is poised to transform the lives of lakhs of people, while also showcasing India’s engineering prowess in one of the country’s most challenging terrains.

News

Delhi Police Busts ISI Spy Module: Nepali Man Held for Sending Indian SIM Cards to Pakistan

Published

5 days ago

September 10, 2025

Veer Rana

The Delhi Police Special Cell has busted a major espionage racket linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and arrested a 43-year-old Nepali citizen, Prabhat Kumar Chaurasia, for supplying Indian SIM cards that were being used in Pakistan.

According to officials, Chaurasia had procured 16 Indian SIM cards (Airtel and Jio) using his Aadhaar card. Out of these, 11 SIM cards were traced as active on WhatsApp in Pakistan, in cities like Lahore and Bahawalpur. The SIM cards were smuggled through Nepal to ISI handlers, who used them to attempt contact with Indian Army officials.

Attempts to Extract Sensitive Defence Information

Police investigations revealed that Chaurasia had been in touch with ISI operatives since 2024. The Pakistani agency allegedly lured him with promises of a US visa and a career in journalism abroad in exchange for his services.

Through the WhatsApp accounts registered on these Indian SIMs, attempts were being made to extract sensitive defence-related information. Delhi Police has registered a case under sections 61(2)/152 of the BNS at the PS Special Cell and further interrogation of the accused is underway to uncover wider links.

Pakistan’s Continued Espionage Attempts

This case adds to a long list of espionage attempts by Pakistan that Indian security agencies have foiled over the years. By exploiting loopholes in telecom systems and targeting vulnerable individuals with financial or career incentives, ISI has repeatedly tried to infiltrate Indian defence communications.

Officials pointed out that routing SIM cards through Nepal is a known ISI tactic to bypass direct detection. The fresh module’s bust highlights how Pakistan continues to adopt underhanded methods to destabilise India and gather intelligence.

Timing Amid Strained India-Pakistan Relations

The incident comes against the backdrop of tense India-Pakistan ties, particularly after the recent Pahalgam terror attack, where India publicly exposed Pakistan’s role before the international community. This exposure has reportedly irked Islamabad, prompting renewed espionage efforts.

Indian agencies, however, remain vigilant. The arrest of Chaurasia and the exposure of this spy module is seen as a major success in neutralising Pakistan’s covert operations.

Significance of the Bust

Prevented possible leaks of defence information.
Exposed ISI’s recruitment tactics using false promises of foreign visas and careers.
Highlighted the use of telecom loopholes (routing SIMs via Nepal).
Strengthened India’s counter-espionage operations at a sensitive time in regional security.