Mumbai Monorail services remain suspended despite receiving mandatory safety approvals for the upgraded Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, leaving commuters waiting for an official reopening date from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
The 19.54-km monorail corridor between Sant Ghadge Maharaj (SGM) Chowk and Chembur has been undergoing modernisation for several months. While statutory clearances were received in June, passenger operations have not resumed as trial runs and system testing continue.
Daily test runs are being conducted along the route, but commuters living in areas connected by the monorail are seeking clarity on when services will restart.
“Every day I am seeing the monorail running on the tracks. It seems the trials are ongoing, but for how long will this continue? I think the services should be started again as new rakes are available,” said Suraj Chavan, a resident of Wadala.
Another commuter from Chembur, Aasha Marathe, said she was hopeful about the upgraded infrastructure but questioned the extended testing period.
“I hope with such rigorous trials being done day and night, after the start of operations no new issue is reported. If the monorail is restarted, I am excited to travel in the new rakes. I hope they are better and safe,” she said.
Safety Approvals Completed, Trials Continue
Authorities have not yet announced a schedule for reopening the monorail. Officials said extensive trials are underway to ensure that the upgraded signalling system and other operational components function safely before services resume.
The approvals include certification required for operating the new CBTC signalling technology. Following these clearances, MMRDA submitted a proposal to the Maharashtra government seeking permission to restart passenger services.
The modernisation programme includes installation of the CBTC system, introduction of 10 new Made-in-India monorail rakes and refurbishment of the existing fleet. The upgraded signalling system will enable continuous communication between trains, improving safety, scheduling and operational efficiency.
MMRDA has also appointed an operator for five years to manage train operations, station services, depot maintenance and other activities.
Improved Connectivity Expected
Once operational, the upgraded monorail is expected to strengthen Mumbai’s multimodal transport network, especially with the upcoming Metro Line 2B. Chembur Metro station will serve as an interchange point connecting the monorail, Metro Line 2B and suburban railway network.
Commuters are also awaiting the opening of other major MMRDA projects, including Metro Line 2B’s Chembur station and the Diamond Garden-Mandale section.
The final phase of Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) Phase 2 is also nearing completion, with MMRDA stating that nearly 98% of physical work was completed in May. Once opened, the corridor is expected to improve connectivity between the Eastern Express Highway, Western Express Highway, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Santacruz, Chembur, Kalina and Kurla, reducing travel time by around 35 minutes.
With multiple transport projects approaching completion, commuters are now awaiting their operational launch to experience a more integrated public transport network across Mumbai.
Source: The Free Press Journal
