Mumbai Monorail Services To Be Temporarily Suspended From 20 September For Major Upgrade

Mumbai’s Monorail services will be temporarily suspended from 20 September as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) pushes ahead with a large-scale modernisation drive after a series of service interruptions last month caused by technical glitches.

The suspension will accelerate the integration of new rolling stock, the installation of advanced signalling and the refurbishment of ageing rakes.

“The block of the Monorail is a vital step in strengthening Mumbai’s transport backbone,” said Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde.

A central element of the upgrade is the deployment of Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology, indigenously developed in Hyderabad and being installed for the first time in the Monorail network.

Testing of five electronic interlockings across 32 sites is under way, with 260 Wi-Fi access points, 500 RFID tags, 90 train detection systems and several WATC units already in place.

The new system promises enhanced safety, shorter train intervals and greater reliability.

Alongside signalling, the rolling stock is also being modernised.

MMRDA has procured ten Make-in-India rakes from Medha, built in collaboration with SMH Rail.

Eight have already been delivered, while the ninth is under inspection and the tenth is in final assembly.

Older rakes will also be overhauled and retrofitted during the block to eliminate recurring glitches.

Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, described the move as “a carefully thought-out step to rejuvenate the Monorail,” assuring citizens that when services resume, the system will return “with renewed strength, reliability, and the confidence to serve Mumbai better.”

The suspension will apply in both directions between Chembur and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk until further notice. Officials urged commuters to make alternative arrangements in the interim.

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