Fire in Dharavi Near Mahim Station Triggers Major Railways Disruption

A significant fire incident near the Harbour line tracks close to Mahim station was reported to have caused extensive damage to multiple residential-commercial galas in Dharavi. The effect of the blaze was felt across the suburban rail network, where train services were halted for several hours after the overhead electrical supply was disconnected as a precaution. It was observed that commuters were compelled to walk along the tracks to access Western Railway’s operational corridor. No casualties were recorded during the event.

It was conveyed by residents that the fire had been triggered by a suspected cylinder explosion inside a first-floor cooking area in one of the G+1 galas situated at Navrang Compound. The affected structures were described as closely packed, tin-sheet units with flammable contents that enabled rapid spreading of the flames. Statements indicated that multiple loud blasts were heard as other gas cylinders stored in adjoining commercial galas ignited. Among the affected units were spaces used for preparing food items, kirana and ration shops.

Further escalation of the blaze was reported when the flames leapt across to a larger commercial structure positioned opposite the initial line of galas. This building housed a sewing unit on its upper floor and wood-and-cardboard recycling warehouses on the lower floors. Owing to the high concentration of combustible material, the incident was elevated to a Level-2 fire at approximately 1.18 pm. Control over the fire was achieved by 3.30 pm, and full extinguishing was recorded shortly thereafter.

Scenes from the aftermath showed residents sifting through burnt debris in a desperate effort to retrieve valuables. Distressing personal losses were recounted, including the destruction of wedding items that had been painstakingly purchased for an upcoming ceremony. Stock belonging to small grocery outlets and grain-storage shops was also reported to have been destroyed or severely damaged.

Fire brigade officials stated that initial information suggested cylinder explosions as the primary cause of the fire. Considerable difficulty was faced by the firefighting teams in reaching the site because of the extremely narrow access lanes characteristic of the area. Despite these constraints, containment of the blaze was successfully executed. The presence of plastic materials within several galas was cited as a factor that contributed to the intensity and speed of fire spread.

Railway operations were also affected, as the overhead electrical supply between Mahim and Bandra was switched off due to its proximity to the fire. Train services on the harbour line were regulated until the situation was stabilised. Gradual restoration of rail movement was undertaken, with Down Harbour line services resuming at a restricted speed at 2.11 pm, followed by normalisation of Up fast line services at 2.30 pm. Complete restoration of the Down Harbour line was achieved only at 3.34 pm.