Mumbai, November 5 – A newly delivered monorail train slipped off its guideway near Wadala’s depot at about 9:30 am, causing a brief derailment that damaged the undercarriage. The incident happened during a routine trial run carried out by Medha Servo Drives on a brand‑new rake.
The train was being moved from one guideway beam to another when it lost grip and rolled off the track. No staff were injured, and the event was quickly contained in a fully protected testing environment. Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corp (MMMOCL), a subsidiary of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), described the incident as “minor” and emphasized that it was part of standard safety protocols.
“Trial runs simulate worst‑case scenarios to test system responses before the trains hit the streets,” said an MMMOCL spokesperson. “These are controlled, internal tests, not operational failures. Passengers need not worry.”
The derailment prompted a brief pause in the broader monorail upgrade effort. MMRDA had already halted all monorail services on September 20 to upgrade the network and introduce new Communication‑Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling. The system now services between Chembur and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk are suspended until further notice as technicians retrofit older rakes and install new safety systems.
The suspension is aimed at giving maintenance crews ample time to work during the nightly 3.5‑hour window that remains after the 6:15 am to 11:30 pm daily schedule. Shorter downtime means fewer delays and a safer, more reliable network for Mumbaikars when the monorail resumes.
Earlier this year, Mumbai’s monorail faced repeated breakdowns. On September 15, a train stalled in Wadala, stranding 17 passengers, and on August 25 two separate trains broke down during heavy rain, leaving 782 passengers stranded. All incidents were resolved, but they highlighted the need for the comprehensive upgrade and testing plan now underway.
With the new CBTC signalling, updated rolling stock, and thorough safety drills, the monorail system is set to return to service in a more robust and passenger‑friendly form. MMRDA and MMMOCL remain committed to delivering a safe, technologically advanced transport option for the city as soon as the upgrade work completes.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
