A major fire erupted at around 12:29 pm on Saturday in a ground-plus-one hutment located at Navrang Compound near the railway tracks in Dharavi, Mumbai, prompting a temporary halt of Harbour Line train services between Mahim and Bandra.
The electric supply to the overhead equipment was disconnected as a precautionary safety measure. Mumbai Fire Brigade, police, medical teams, and municipal workers responded quickly to douse the flames. No injuries or casualties have been reported and the fire was successfully contained without spreading to surrounding areas or railway infrastructure.
Train services resumed under regulated conditions once the situation was under control.
Swift Emergency Response and Impact on Train Services
The fire was declared a Level-I incident and multiple fire engines from nearby stations including Dadar, BKC, Bandra, and Shivaji Park were dispatched immediately. The affected hutments near the UP Harbour line train tracks, situated between the Mahim and Bandra stations, posed risks requiring the Western Railway to suspend and regulate local train services in the area.
A Western Railway spokesperson confirmed that five trains were held temporarily, causing commuter delays and prompting passengers to use alternative routes such as via Dadar. The electric supply to the overhead wires was cut off to avoid accidents.
Firefighting teams along with the railway and emergency medical services managed the containment operations efficiently, ensuring no harm to commuters or railway assets.
Background: Dharavi’s Vulnerability to Fires
Navrang Compound is part of Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest and most densely populated slum areas, where cramped hutments and narrow lanes increase the risk of fires. The patchwork structures often contain highly flammable materials, escalating fire hazards and making emergency access difficult. Fires in the region have been recurrent, challenging both residents and responders.
The fire brigade’s quick containment helped prevent escalation that could have endangered many lives or railway infrastructure critical to Mumbai’s transit system. Official investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and assess damages, underscoring the ongoing need for better preventive infrastructure and community awareness in such areas.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive fire safety and disaster preparedness plans in vulnerable urban settlements like Dharavi. While emergency responses were commendable, proactive measures including safe housing, proper infrastructure, community education, and coordinated sanitation services are essential to reduce recurrence.
The Logical Indian advocates for a humane, inclusive approach where city authorities collaborate closely with residents to ensure safety without displacing communities. Enhanced urban planning and greater investment in public safety infrastructure must go hand in hand with social empathy.
WR Mumbai trains hit! Major fire between Bandra and Khar (Navrang Compound, Dharavi). Five trains regulated (waiting) between Mahim and Bandra stations. pic.twitter.com/PLGOR8k5tj
— Rajendra B. Aklekar (@rajtoday) November 22, 2025
A fire broke out on afternoon at Navrang Compound near the #railwaytrack in #Dharavi, prompting a temporary halt of #Harbourline services towards #CSMT as a precaution.
— ताबिश खान (@tabishkhan_02) November 22, 2025
The blaze, confined to a ground-plus-one hutment structure, was reported at 12.29 pm and declared a Level-I… pic.twitter.com/gF0inzKOG4
