October 31, 2025: In a move to strengthen commuter safety and emergency preparedness, the district disaster management authorities of Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban have directed all Metro and Monorail operators to submit detailed disaster management and emergency response plans.
According to a release from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the directive was issued by Dr. Vipin Sharma, Additional Municipal Commissioner and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, during a joint review meeting held on Wednesday. The meeting focused on enhancing coordination among agencies managing elevated and underground transport systems.
Dr. Sharma instructed all operating authorities to share their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and emergency management plans to ensure a unified and efficient response framework across Mumbai’s public transport network.
The decision follows a recent Monorail breakdown near Bhakti Park in Chembur on August 19, where passengers were stranded for several hours due to a technical fault. The incident raised concerns about the robustness of emergency response mechanisms for city transit systems.
During the session, Dr. Ashwini Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) and Chairperson of the Mumbai City District Disaster Management Authority, emphasised the importance of conducting regular mock drills. “These exercises are essential to test preparedness and improve response capabilities at public transport facilities,” she stated.
Officials said that the move is part of a broader initiative to enhance Mumbai’s urban disaster resilience, especially in critical infrastructure such as transport systems that serve millions daily.
Once the plans are submitted, the authorities are expected to review and integrate them into a citywide disaster response framework to ensure faster coordination and safety for commuters during emergencies.
Source: ET Infra
