Mumbai rains: Local train services hit, dabbawalas suspend work

Suburban train services of the Western Railways were suspended today after heavy rains lashed the metropolis through the night, an official said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rain till Thursday.

"Since last night, over 200 mm rainfall has been recorded. This has led to water logging on railway tracks and keeping in view passengers' safety, train services have been stopped till the water level on the tracks recede," the railway official said.

Train services between Churchgate and Borivali were, however, normal. He said that pumps are being used to drain out water from tracks.

Local train services of the Central Railway (CR) were not affected despite the heavy rain. Trains are running normally on the main, harbour and trans-harbour lines, the CR said. It also tweeted to thank its passengers for offering their gratitude.

"We received innumerable messages and tweets yesterday from you all bestowing accolades on us that despite heavy torrential rains for the past 72 hrs, we provided uninterrupted services.

"We thank you all for the faith, confidence and immense support shown by each one of you," it tweeted with a video attachment.

The Tulsi lake -- a major source of supply water -- overflowed due to the heavy showers in the city. Mumbai's dabbawalas have also suspended their services today.

"We did not collect tiffins today, because of the water logging across the city. Our people find it hard to wade through knee-deep water on their cycles," Mumbai Dabbawalas' Association's spokesperson Subhash Talekar said.