Mumbai declares holiday for schools, colleges amid orange rain alert

Mumbai schools and colleges will remain closed on July 6 after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a holiday in response to the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) orange alert forecasting heavy rainfall and gusty winds across the city.

The civic body said the precautionary measure was taken to ensure student safety as Mumbai continues to experience intense monsoon showers, with wet weather expected to persist over the coming days.

The weather conditions have also disrupted higher education schedules. The University of Mumbai has postponed examinations that were scheduled for July 6 and said revised dates will be announced later. Students can use their existing hall tickets for the rescheduled examinations.

Despite the closure of educational institutions, government and private offices will remain open, the BMC said. Authorities have advised residents to leave their homes only if necessary as heavy rainfall is expected to continue throughout the day.

Mumbai and neighboring areas have witnessed continuous heavy rain over the past several days, resulting in widespread waterlogging and multiple incidents of fallen trees.

According to PTI, three people, including a schoolboy, have lost their lives in rain-related incidents since June 30.

The downpour has also caused major disruptions to transportation across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Train services on the Mumbai-Pune route were suspended after multiple landslides were reported in the Karjat-Lonavala Bhor Ghat section.

Separately, Central Railway suspended suburban train services between Karjat and Khopoli after heavy rain washed away the ballast between Lowjee and Dolavli stations.

Railway officials said restoration work is in progress and services will resume only after the tracks are certified safe.

On the Western Railway network, local train services were delayed by 15 to 20 minutes because of waterlogging between Vasai Road and Virar stations.

Several long-distance trains operating between Mumbai and Pune have also been canceled, diverted, or regulated due to landslides in the ghat section.

Road travel along the Mumbai-Pune corridor has also been affected by landslides and waterlogging, leading to traffic congestion and delays.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official weather advisories as heavy rainfall is expected to continue.

Parents and students have also been advised to keep track of updates issued by schools and universities regarding any further changes to schedules.