Weathering the Storm: Life and Work During Mumbai's Monsoon
Mumbai's monsoons are intense—days of pounding rain, broken only by brief dry spells. The heat doesn't let up either; it stays hot and oppressively humid. But Mumbaikars take it in stride.
Commuting during monsoon season, especially in packed trains, can be exhausting. Thankfully, MarketPlace's neighborhood—based cooperatives mean most artisans don't have to travel far for work. Still, flooding remains a major issue. Many slum areas are located in low—lying zones with poor drainage, and it's common for homes to sit in several inches of water for days.
Through it all, the Mumbai Local trains keep the city going. Stretching 450 kilometers and moving 6.5 million people daily, it's Asia's oldest and the world's busiest rail system—a true lifeline.
Monsoons used to run predictably from June to September, but climate change has shifted that rhythm. Yet, even as rains come earlier and linger longer, life in Mumbai pushes forward—with resilience, determination, and community spirit.
