All the stranded passengers were rescued from the Mahalaxmi Express train, which has been held up between Badlapur and Vangani since over 15 hours following incessant rains in Mumbai and surrounding areas for the third consecutive day.

Now, a special train with 19 coaches will leave from Kalyan to Kolhapur with the passengers of Mahalaxmi Express.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Air Force, the Navy and the military carried out rescue operations on war footing.

Seven Navy teams, two helicopters of the IAF, and two military columns were deployed along with local administration for rescue operations. Four teams of NDRF were at the site where the train was held up and evacuated the passengers with the help of eight boats.

A seaking Helicopter was also sent with divers for deployment in the area as advance assessment party.

Home Minister Amit Shah also confirmed the evacuation of all passengers and lauded the forces for their valiant effort.

At least 700 people were stranded on the Mumbai-Kolhapur train with no drinking water or food for nearly 15 hours.

Hundreds of panicky, starving and thirsty passengers on the Mumbai-Kolhapur train were seen making appeals for help on mobile videos and social media. They said they had no escape route as the train was practically cut off with five-six feet water on all sides.

The Central Railway (CR) earlier in the day warned the Mahalaxmi Express passengers against stepping out of the trains in view of the dangerous water levels outside and requested them to wait for help which is on the way.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had instructed the Chief Secretary to personally monitor rescue operations at Vangani where the people were stranded. He further said that the situation was under control.

The rescued people were taken to Badlapur where they will be lodged at safe places.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has written to the NDRF, Air Command, Navy, Air Force and the military requesting rescue operations for over 115 persons stranded at Kamba Petrol Pump and Riverwing Resort, in Thane.

The towns of Badlapur, Ulhasnagar, Vangani were practically underwater since early Saturday as heavy rain lashed the region, flooding local rivers and other water bodies.

In Mumbai, Minister of Education Ashish Shelar has directed schools and colleges to declare a holiday to ensure students are not inconvenienced if heavy rain continued.

Severe waterlogging has been reported from several areas after the Waldhuni river overflowed owing to heavy downpour.

The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted scattered heavy rainfall and extra heavy rainfall at isolated places in Raigad, Thane, Palghar and some parts of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra for today and tomorrow.

On Friday, at least 11 flights to and from the Mumbai airport were cancelled, however, flight operations are normal as of Saturday morning.

The torrential rains had come to a brief stop earlier this month leaving at least 40 dead with over 28 deaths being reported from Mumbai alone.