Mumbai’s monorail service, suspended since September 2025 due to safety concerns, is expected to restart operations in May, subject to the completion of mandatory inspections and certification. The 19.54-kilometre corridor connecting Chembur, Wadala and Jacob Circle is currently undergoing final-stage testing before reopening to passengers.
Authorities have carried out extensive trials of new rakes, signalling systems and telecom infrastructure. Officials said services will resume only after an independent safety audit confirms compliance with all operational standards. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) initiated inspections under an Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) last week, and the review process is ongoing.
The Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMOCL), which oversees monorail operations, has directed the new rolling stock supplier to complete pending technical work at the earliest. Frequent engineering and technical issues had led to the earlier suspension of services.
A fresh contract for operation and maintenance is also in progress. Power Mech Projects has emerged as the lowest bidder with a ₹296 crore tender and is likely to be awarded a five-year contract. The appointment is expected to streamline operations and improve reliability along the eastern corridor.
Before passenger services resume, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) will conduct an independent inspection. A proposal to appoint a retired official as an Independent Engineer has been submitted to the state government, and the inspection process will begin once approval is granted. The final clearance certificate will be issued only after all safety parameters are satisfied.
If approved as planned, the monorail’s return in May is expected to strengthen Mumbai’s public transport network and offer commuters in eastern suburbs an additional travel option during peak hours.
Source: Lokshahi English
