Mumbai’s monorail network is likely to resume services within the next 10 to 15 days, nearly nine months after operations were temporarily suspended. The Maharashtra Urban Development Department has granted final approval for the 19.54-km corridor connecting Mahalaxmi and Jacob Circle, clearing the way for its reopening.
Officials said station painting and interior finishing work are in the final stages, and the inauguration could take place by July. Once services restart, commuters will benefit from 10 new train sets supplied by Hyderabad-based Medha Servo Drives, reducing waiting time between trains to around 15 minutes.
Before services were halted in September 2025, frequent technical issues had pushed peak-hour intervals to 20–25 minutes, while in some cases commuters had to wait more than 45 minutes for a train. Plans to integrate older train sets with the new Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system remain pending due to delays in procuring imported components.
The relaunch will improve connectivity by linking the monorail with the Mahalaxmi station on Metro Line 3 and the suburban rail network. A travellator-equipped skywalk is being constructed to facilitate smoother passenger movement. Authorities also plan to open the Chembur station on Metro Line 2B simultaneously, extending metro access towards Mandale and strengthening east-west connectivity.
A revision in monorail fares is also under consideration. Officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s monorail operating arm have submitted a proposal to the state government seeking either an increase in monorail fares to align with Metro Lines 1 and 3 or a reduction in metro fares to match monorail rates. Previously, fares ranged from Rs 10 for shorter journeys to Rs 40 for the entire route. Under the proposed revision, the end-to-end fare could rise to Rs 70.
Authorities said the fare adjustment would help offset the Rs 590 crore spent on procuring new train sets and annual operations and maintenance expenses of nearly Rs 300 crore. To prevent overcrowding, officials are introducing new operating procedures. “Staff on ground will be monitoring entry into the stations and restricting it based on the capacity of the rakes, concourse and stations, ensuring overcapacity doesn’t occur,” said an official from the MMMOCL.
He added, “We are also thinking of putting in an alarm system that alerts people to step out when the rake is near full capacity. Awareness to commuters and staff will also be done.”
Source: The Indian Express
