Mumbai: A monorail coach went off track and tilted near Wadala. The mishap is said to happen during the track change. "The said incident occurred due to technical fault during testing of monorail. No passengers were inside the train and no injuries are reported. Mono rail staff has reached on-site," the monorail control incharge Rohan Salunkhe informed.
As per BMC disaster management report, the mishap took place at 9 am, near Wadala-GTB monorail station, near RTO junction, Wadala East. Mumbai fire brigade has also reached the spot.
The monorail services are shut since the train went unoperational during heavy rains and hundreds of passengers were stranded. The servicing of the train system was underway and the train which went tilted this morning was part of the same testing.
The Mumbai Suburban District Emergency Management Authority (DEMA) recently directed the city’s Monorail and Metro operators to submit comprehensive emergency management plans. The directive mandates detailed strategies for handling operational disruptions, technical failures, and passenger safety incidents across the city’s mass transit systems.
The order, issued during a joint meeting of the Mumbai City and Suburban DEMAs held on October 29 at the BMC headquarters, stressed the importance of proactive coordination between civic, transport, and disaster management agencies. The authority also instructed operators to conduct periodic reviews of their standard operating procedures (SOPs) and carry out regular mock drills to ensure readiness during emergencies.
According to officials, the session focused on improving inter-agency coordination and standardising communication channels for faster response during crisis situations. Representatives from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Mumbai Metro One, and Mumbai Monorail were present at the meeting.
Meeting Follows August Monorail Breakdown
The directive comes in the aftermath of the August 19 monorail glitch, when a train stalled between Mysore Colony and Bhakti Park stations in Chembur, leaving several passengers stranded mid-track for an extended period. The incident raised serious questions about the monorail’s operational safety and the preparedness of emergency teams.
Services Suspended Since September 20
Following multiple such disruptions, the Mumbai Monorail, once hailed as India’s first light mass rapid transit system, has been out of service since September 20. Authorities suspended operations after a series of mechanical failures and electrical faults sparked concerns over maintenance quality and commuter risk.
The Rs 2,450-crore project, launched with the promise of easing suburban congestion and providing last-mile connectivity, has struggled to live up to expectations since its inception. Frequent breakdowns, low ridership, and recurring safety lapses have drawn criticism from transport experts and commuters alike, many of whom have labeled it a 'white elephant.'
To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
