Amid disruptions & technical snags, MMRDA suspends Monorail services for a few weeks

As part of upgradation of the service, a Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system, indigenously developed in Hyderabad, is being installed for the first time in the Mumbai Monorail.
MMRDA has also procured 10 new Make-in-India rakes from Medha Servo Drives in collaboration with SMH Rail.

Why suspension is necessary

With services running daily from 6.15 am to 11.30 pm, the MMRDA has only three-and-a- half hours available at night for installation and testing. This limited window slows progress, as safety protocols require the power rail to be switched off, discharged, and recharged before each day’s operations.

“The suspension period will enable uninterrupted installation, commissioning, and integrated testing of new rakes and signalling systems,” the MMRDA said in a statement

Key disruptions

In the past month alone, the monorail has faced at least three major disruptions.
On August 19, a train carrying 582 passengers stalled between Mysore Colony and Bhakti Park stations due to a power supply failure.

Within the same hour, another train with around 200 passengers halted between Acharya Atre and Wadala stations.

Both trains were towed back to stations and passengers were safely evacuated.
Overcrowding, exceeding the train’s design capacity of 104 tonnes, and technical faults were cited as contributing factors.

Following an internal investigation, the MMRDA suspended two senior officials, including the Chief Engineer (Signal & Telecom) and the Security Manager, for lapses in operational oversight.

An inquiry committee, chaired by Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Vikram Kumar and including experts from IIT Bombay and CIDCO, was tasked with identifying systemic issues and recommending corrective measures.

The troubles continued on September 15, when another train halted mid-ride in Wadala due to a technical glitch. Seventeen passengers were evacuated safely and transferred to another train. MMRDA cited a supply issue as the cause.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is the MMRDA chairman, said the temporary suspension of monorail services is a vital step in strengthening Mumbai’s transport backbone.

The Mumbai Monorail, which runs from Wadala Depot to Chembur and Jacob Circle, has been a critical urban transport link but has faced operational challenges since its inception.

Commuters are advised to plan alternative travel arrangements during the suspension period. MMRDA has assured that services will resume only after all safety and technical standards are met.