Mumbai Monorail Breakdown: Over 400 Passengers Rescued, CM Fadnavis Orders Probe After Suffocation Scare

Mumbai witnessed a harrowing incident on Tuesday when a fully packed monorail came to an abrupt halt between Bhakti Park and Chembur stations, leaving more than 400 passengers stranded for hours. The sudden breakdown, triggered by heavy rains and technical failure, caused panic among commuters as several people complained of suffocation. Swift action by rescue teams and health officials averted a tragedy, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a detailed probe into the mishap.

The Incident

The breakdown occurred near Mysore Colony station, where the monorail, carrying well over its designed capacity, stopped mid-route. Reports suggest that around 442 passengers were on board at the time of the incident. The train, built to carry a maximum load of 104 metric tonnes, had crossed this limit due to overcrowding, with the total load reaching 109 metric tonnes.

This overload caused a mechanical failure between the power rail and the current collector, disrupting the electricity supply and bringing the monorail to a standstill. With air circulation compromised inside the compartments, several passengers experienced breathlessness, while the prolonged wait intensified the situation.

CM Fadnavis Responds

Reacting quickly to the crisis, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued a statement on his official social media handle. He assured the public that all passengers’ safety was the top priority, saying:

“Due to some technical reason, a monorail is stuck between Chembur and Bhakti Park. MMRDA, the fire brigade, and the municipal corporation, all agencies have reached the spot. The highest priority is being given to the safety of all passengers. Therefore, no one should worry or panic.”

He further emphasized that a thorough inquiry would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the breakdown and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Rescue Operations

The rescue operation was carried out with the combined efforts of the Fire Brigade, MMRDA staff, and emergency medical teams. Specialized equipment, including TTL and ALP, was deployed to bring passengers down safely.

Out of the 442 rescued commuters, at least 14 passengers required medical attention for suffocation. Doctors from the 108 ambulance service treated them on-site. Among the rescued, a 20-year-old woman was shifted to Sion Hospital, where she was reported to be stable. Two others, identified as Aman Singh (23) and Aishwarya Sandip Pawar (27), were admitted to KEM Hospital after they complained of breathing difficulties.

Heavy Rains, Harbour Line Disruptions Led to Overcrowding

Officials noted that the incident coincided with intense rainfall in Mumbai, which had disrupted services on the Harbour Line. As a result, thousands of daily commuters turned to the monorail as an alternative. The system, designed as a limited-capacity mode of transport, was overwhelmed by the sudden rush.

Despite repeated appeals from security staff at stations, passengers continued boarding until the train became severely overcrowded. The excess weight not only caused the mechanical failure but also prevented emergency teams from towing the stranded rake, making a manual rescue the only viable option.

MMRDA Issues Statement

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which operates the monorail, acknowledged the incident and reiterated that the system is not designed to function like Mumbai’s suburban trains or metro services, which can handle larger passenger volumes.

“Monorail is a limited-capacity system, and it cannot manage sudden surges of passengers. We request commuters to follow instructions from technical and security staff in such situations,” the MMRDA said in its statement.

An internal inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the breakdown, focusing on the overload issue and the failure of the power connection. The agency has also assured that safety protocols and crowd management measures will be reviewed to avoid repeat incidents.

Looking Ahead

The Mumbai Monorail, envisioned as a modern addition to the city’s transport system, has faced repeated challenges since its inception, including technical snags and low ridership. This latest breakdown, however, raises serious concerns about passenger safety and emergency preparedness.

As agencies work to restore full services, the spotlight remains on whether corrective measures will be put in place to ensure reliability. For the thousands of commuters who depend on it, the incident serves as a reminder of the pressing need for robust public transport infrastructure in Mumbai.