Heavy rains in Mumbai and adjoining areas caused flooding in several parts of the city affecting air and rail traffic on July 27, with the Mahalaxmi Express getting stuck on waterlogged tracks in Thane district with 1,000 passengers, prompting the authorities to launch a multi-agency rescue operation.

In an unprecedented measure, the Maharashtra government requested defence officials to arrange airlift of the stranded passengers of the 17412 Mahalaxmi Express.