The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) announced temporary suspension of Mumbai’s monorail services running on the Chembur to Saat Rasta route from Saturday, September 20. This train operates on a 19.54 km route and will undergo major upgrades to ensure smoother and more reliable operations in the future. The decision comes after a series of technical glitches and service disruptions were observed over the past month. Keep reading for more details.
Mumbai’s Monorail From Chembur To Saat Rasta Suspended
After the temporary suspension of monorail services between Chembur and Saat Rasta, officials are now planning major upgrades. This includes the introduction of new trains, installation of an advanced Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, and repair or upgrade work of existing trains. This is extremely crucial right now as, according to Hindustan Times, in the last month alone, seven cases of disruption in the service were reported.
One of the serious incidents took place on August 19, when heavy rain paralysed Mumbai and two monorail trains stalled at Mysore Colony and Antop Hill. Emergency teams were called to rescue 1,148 passengers. Another incident happened on September 15. Due to heavy rain, the train got stuck on a curve between two stations, and later, 17 passengers were rescued.
Alternative Modes Of Travelling
While the shutdown of monorail services is only temporary, daily travellers will have to look for other travel options. Many people from areas like Wadala, Antop Hill, GTB Nagar, and Parel say the monorail is a fast and affordable way to get around. Now they’ll have to look for other options. It includes buses, local trains on the harbour line, shared taxis, auto rickshaws, or private vehicles, according to Hindustan Times.
Keeping the current situation in mind, MMMOCL officials explained that suspending operations is the only way to complete the work efficiently and safely. They emphasised that the upgrades will not only improve daily operations but also extend the lifespan of the monorail system. The monorail has faced frequent technical issues and criticism since its launch.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: From Bhelpuri At Chowpatty To Buzz Of Local Trains, Harsh Goenka Defines The Soul Of Mumbai
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@Sahilinfra2