Mumbai’s Monorail network, which has remained shut since September 2025 due to recurring technical failures, is expected to become operational again during the upcoming monsoon season. According to officials, the final statutory safety inspection of the 19.54-km Monorail corridor is likely to take place later this month before passenger services are restored.
Authorities said a retired Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), appointed by the government, will conduct a detailed assessment of the corridor and associated systems before issuing the mandatory clearance required for restarting operations.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed the induction of 10 new India-made Monorail rakes while also refurbishing the older fleet. As part of the modernization effort, the corridor has been equipped with communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling technology to improve operational efficiency, reliability and commuter safety.
Earlier this year, the upgraded rolling stock and signalling infrastructure received an independent safety certification from Bureau Veritas. In addition, MMRDA has awarded a five-year operations and maintenance contract to Power Mech Projects. The private operator will oversee train services, station operations, depot management and routine maintenance of the system.
Meanwhile, plans are also underway to strengthen connectivity between the city’s Metro and Monorail corridors. Officials are preparing to integrate the Chembur Metro station into the operational Phase 1 stretch of Metro Line 2B, which currently runs between Diamond Garden and Mandale.
A CMRS inspection team is expected to visit Mumbai next week to examine the Chembur station. Once approvals are granted, the station will officially become part of the corridor, enabling direct interchange access between Metro Line 2B and the Monorail network in the eastern suburbs.
Monorail services were suspended on September 20 last year after repeated incidents of trains stopping mid-route, stranding commuters. Following the shutdown, MMRDA undertook extensive safety enhancements and infrastructure upgrades. After resumption, trains are expected to operate at intervals of approximately eight minutes.
Source: Swarajya
