A Mumbai Monorail rake tilted off its guideway on Wednesday morning during a trial run near the Wadala depot, sparking concern among residents.
Around 9:30 am, a newly delivered rake manufactured by Medha Servo Drives changed from one guideway beam to another.
During the changeover, the rake reportedly slipped off, causing damage to its undercarriage.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) subsidiary, Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL), termed the incident ‘minor’ and clarified that it happened during a routine signalling trial.
In a statement, MMMOCL said it immediately brought the situation under control and confirmed no staff or personnel suffered injuries.
Two technical staff members, including the Monorail operator, were conducting the controlled trial, which followed strict safety protocols.
“These trials simulate extreme conditions to test system response and ensure preparedness before actual deployment,” the MMMOCL release stated.
The agency further assured citizens that the event was part of standard internal testing and not an operational failure. It requested the public not to panic, adding that other trials by Medha SMH Rail Pvt. Ltd. remained unaffected.
MMMOCL said it is conducting advanced system tests, including trials for the new Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology, to enhance safety and efficiency.
The MMRDA had earlier suspended Monorail services on September 20 for system upgradation and modernisation. Services between Chembur and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk remain halted until further notice.
During this period, older rakes are being retrofitted to prevent future technical failures.
MMRDA explained that daily operations leave only a 3.5-hour window at night for installation and testing, slowing progress.
The temporary suspension will allow uninterrupted testing of new rakes, retrofitting of old ones, and staff training for upcoming Metro operations.
This upgrade drive follows several recent breakdowns. On September 15, a technical snag halted a Monorail near Wadala, stranding 17 passengers.
Earlier, in August, two trains stopped mid-track during heavy rains, affecting over 700 commuters.
The MMRDA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safer, smoother, and more reliable Monorail services for Mumbai through upgraded systems and rigorous testing.
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