Mumbai’s dream of running a smooth, modern monorail continues to struggle. On Tuesday, a monorail coach derailed near the Wadala depot during a trial run, marking the fifth mishap in just three months. The incident has once again raised questions about the safety and reliability of the city’s only monorail system.
According to officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the accident occurred while testing the new Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system. Fortunately, no passengers were on board at the time. Only staff members were present, and one person suffered minor injuries.
Preliminary reports suggest the derailment happened due to a technical issue in the switching mechanism or a momentary loss of communication between the train and the central control room. The train reportedly moved onto a wrong track section when the switch changed position unexpectedly.
The monorail line between Chembur and Wadala has been closed since September 20 for a major overhaul and testing of the upgraded signalling system. The MMRDA said it is conducting a detailed inquiry to find out the exact cause of the derailment and to ensure such incidents do not repeat.
Officials said the mishap took place during a safety trial meant to check the system’s reliability before reopening the corridor for public service. “The incident happened while testing the new signalling system. It is under investigation,” an MMRDA official was quoted as saying.
The latest mishap adds to a long list of troubles that have plagued the monorail since its launch. Commissioned in 2014 as India’s first monorail system, the project was once seen as a symbol of Mumbai’s urban progress. However, it has struggled with technical faults, low ridership, and frequent breakdowns over the years.
Even though the MMRDA has bought 10 new monorail rakes at a cost of Rs 59 crore each, none have yet been used in regular service. With five incidents in three months, experts are questioning whether the system is being monitored and maintained properly.
Transport experts believe repeated mishaps could further erode public confidence. “Each accident, even during testing, reduces trust in the system. Safety should come before speed or schedules,” said one former rail engineer familiar with metro and monorail operations.
For now, the MMRDA has promised corrective action and additional checks before restarting passenger services. But for many commuters, Mumbai’s monorail once called an ‘iconic’ project seems far from getting back on the right track.
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