September 20, 2025: In a bid to strengthen and modernise the city’s monorail network, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced that services on the Mumbai Monorail will be suspended later this month. The authority explained that the pause is necessary to carry out critical upgrade works which have so far been delayed due to limited night-time maintenance hours.
The MMRDA is introducing a domestically developed Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system on the monorail for the first time. Electronic interlockings, Wi-Fi access points, RFID tags, and train detection systems have already been deployed along the corridor, with integrated testing of the signalling underway. Officials stated that the system will enhance safety, reduce headway between trains, and improve service reliability.
Alongside these works, the authority has procured ten new ‘Make in India’ rakes from MEDHA in partnership with SMH Rail. Eight have already been delivered, the ninth is ready for inspection, and the final rake is nearing completion. Existing rakes will also undergo overhauls and retrofitment to address technical issues and strengthen performance.
MMRDA officials highlighted that daily services from early morning until late night have left only a narrow maintenance window, making it difficult to execute the scale of upgrades required. The suspension will allow round-the-clock installation, testing, commissioning, and staff training. A committee has also been formed to investigate recent disruptions.
Services between Chembur and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk will remain halted until further notice. Commuters have been urged to plan journeys accordingly.
Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde said the upgrades would deliver safer, more reliable services. Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee added that the block was a planned step to make the monorail future-ready and better integrated into Mumbai’s transport network.
Source: Prop News Time
