Mumbai: After heavy rains battered the city, the monorail stopped suddenly midway twice this monsoon, leaving several passengers trapped. After hours of rescue operations by the fire brigade and other agencies, the passengers were evacuated. One such incident took place in August and another on Monday morning (September 15), both due to some technical glitch in the monorail system.
Hence, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has decided to temporarily suspend services from September 20 with the aim of upgrading and improving the Mumbai Monorail services and make them safer, faster and more reliable for commuters.
Mumbai Monorail upgrade plan
- To improve the monorail services in Mumbai, the work of new “rolling stock” (racks), advanced CBTC signaling system and refurbishment of old racks will be done rapidly.
- World-class signaling system: The Indigenous Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system developed in Hyderabad will be installed in the Mumbai Monorail for the first time.
- 5 electronic interlockings installed at 32 locations, testing continues. 260 Wi-Fi access points, 90 train detection systems and other upgradations have already been installed.
- Wayside signalling work completed, integrated testing in progress. This system will enhance safety, reduce gaps between trains and make services more reliable.
- Modernization of rolling stock: 10 new “Make in India” rakes procured in collaboration with M/s MEDHA and SMH Rail. 8 of these rakes have been delivered, 9th presented for inspection and 10th is in assembly stage.
- Installation, commissioning and testing of new racks and signalling systems will be done continuously.
- Overhaul and retrofitting of old racks will be done.
Why was immediate suspension of Monorail necessary?
Currently services run from 6:15 am to 11:30 pm, leaving only 3.5 hours for night work. As per safety protocols, the power rails have to be switched off, discharged and recharged every day, which was slowing down progress. Recently, services were affected due to some technical problems. To overcome this, MMRDA has formed an investigation committee and has decided to temporarily stop the services.
During this period, monorail services in both directions from Chembur to Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk will remain closed. Citizens have been appealed to keep this in mind while planning their journey.
MMRDA has clarified that this decision is being taken to make the monorail service more mobile, in preparation for moving forward. After the upgrade, the monorail will not only be more reliable but will also strengthen public transport in the eastern corridor of Mumbai.
Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Chairman of MMRDA, said, “This block of the Monorail is a major step towards strengthening Mumbai’s transport infrastructure. New rakes, advanced CBTC signalling and refurbishment of old rakes will provide a safer and more reliable service to citizens. This small block is essential to complete the work with speed and precision. With the support of Mumbaikars, the Monorail will come back stronger.”
Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, said, “This temporary block is a well-thought-out move. Adding new rakes, installing advanced CBTC signalling and refurbishing the existing fleet will make the Monorail safer, more reliable and future-ready. We appreciate the patience of citizens and assure that when the Monorail returns, it will serve Mumbai even better with renewed confidence.”