Tourists, Trekkers Struggle Amid Cloudburst-Like Rain at Raigad Fort, Video Emerges | WATCH

Mumbai: Heavy rains in Maharashtra's Konkan region have led to several tourists and trekkers being stranded at the Raigad hill fort near Mumbai. Authorities have rescued the visitors and closed the fort to the public until July 31.   

A video on social media highlighted the situation, showing people stuck at the fort due to the adverse weather conditions. The fort, historically significant as the former capital of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, faced flood-like conditions at the 'Payri Marg' (step way), making it difficult for tourists to traverse.

Tourists and Trekkers Evacuated

The Raigad police and district administration teams went there and evacuated the tourists and trekkers, the official said.

"There was no cloud burst, but there is heavy rainfall in the area," he said adding that Mhasala, Srivardhan, Mahad tehsils have also witnessed heavy showers.

Raigad Fort Closed Till July 31

In view of the heavy downpour, the Raigad fort has been closed for tourists and trekkers till July 31, he said.

Only the ropeway (to reach the fort) will be operational, he said.

Mumbai Rains

Meanwhile, heavy rains in Maharashtra have crippled normal life in Mumbai with over 50 flights getting cancelled. Local train services on the Central Railway were suspended for more than two hours after the overhead equipment got damaged between two stations due to the storm and downpour today.

The overhead pole got bent due to strong winds between Thane and Mulund stations, because of which the services were suspended around 4.15 pm, the official from Central Railway said. Slow train services on the main corridor resumed around 6.45 pm after more than two hours.

"Suburban services on both the main and harbour lines are running now. The trains are, however, 25 to 30 minutes late," said Swapnil Nila, chief spokesperson of Central Railway.

They had suspended the suburban services on both Main and Harbour lines corridors at various locations for 10-15 minutes during the storm as a precaution as there is a chance of entanglement of train pantagraph with overhead wire, he said.

Commuters, however, faced hardship due to the disruption of suburban services during peak evening rush hours. The delays caused overcrowding in trains and stations, while passengers were forced to walk on the tracks when trains came to a standstill at some stations.

According to commuters, the trains took longer to reach their destinations than usual. Several parts of Mumbai witnessed heavy traffic snarls due to the storm and unseasonal rain due to incidents of trees falling.

A car accident on Lalbaug flyover caused traffic jams on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road and other roads in the area. According to the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, buses were diverted at some locations due to rains and trees falling.