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Shiv Sena corporators in the Thane Municipal Corporation have alleged that construction activities related to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project are obstructing natural drainage channels, contributing to waterlogging in parts of the city during the monsoon. The allegations follow recent flooding in Diva and surrounding areas after heavy rainfall. Project authorities, however, have maintained that the high-speed rail works have not damaged any permanent bridge or drainage infrastructure, stating that only temporary access structures were affected by the rains and restoration measures are underway.
Shiv Sena corporators in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) have raised concerns that ongoing construction for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project is aggravating flooding in parts of the city by disrupting natural water flow during the monsoon.
The issue was highlighted following heavy rainfall that led to waterlogging in low-lying areas, particularly around Diva. According to the corporators, construction activities associated with the bullet train project have altered or blocked natural drainage channels, reducing the area's ability to discharge rainwater efficiently and increasing the risk of flooding.
The elected representatives have urged the civic administration to conduct a detailed assessment of the project sites and coordinate with the agencies executing the high-speed rail corridor to ensure that drainage systems remain functional throughout the construction period. They have also sought corrective measures to prevent recurring flooding in vulnerable neighbourhoods.
The concerns come days after intense rainfall affected parts of the project area, with reports indicating that a temporary access structure built for construction activities was damaged by floodwaters. Authorities associated with the high-speed rail project clarified that no permanent bridge forming part of the railway corridor had been washed away. They said only a temporary structure used to facilitate construction access was impacted, and restoration work was initiated soon after water levels receded.
Project officials have also stated that construction is being carried out in accordance with approved engineering standards and environmental safeguards. They maintained that the permanent infrastructure under development has not been compromised and that measures are being taken to minimise disruptions during the monsoon season.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor, India's first bullet train project, involves extensive civil works across Maharashtra and Gujarat, including bridges, viaducts, stations and supporting infrastructure. Given the scale of construction, project authorities have been coordinating with local administrations to manage traffic, utilities and environmental impacts during execution.
Urban planners have often pointed out that preserving natural drainage channels is critical in rapidly urbanising regions such as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, where heavy monsoon rainfall can quickly overwhelm stormwater systems if natural watercourses are obstructed.
The latest concerns raised in Thane are expected to prompt further discussions between civic authorities and the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited to ensure that ongoing infrastructure development does not adversely affect local drainage and flood management while the project progresses.
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