Mumbai’s ambitious monorail project once again made headlines on Sunday after a monorail train was stranded between two stations due to a sudden power failure, leaving dozens of passengers stuck mid-journey. The incident, which occurred during the morning rush, caused panic among commuters before rescue teams were rushed to the spot. The rescue operation, which lasted for over an hour, was carried out with the help of emergency response units and railway officials.
The Incident: Panic in Mid-Air
According to reports, the monorail was traveling on the Wadala–Chembur corridor when it abruptly came to a halt between two stations following a technical snag. With no immediate power restoration in sight, passengers remained trapped in the stalled coaches. The heat and lack of ventilation added to the discomfort, while worried voices could be heard inside the compartments.
Several videos captured by bystanders quickly circulated online, showing the stranded train and rescue workers gearing up for action. The visuals triggered a flurry of reactions on social media, with many questioning the reliability of Mumbai’s monorail service, which has faced repeated operational setbacks since its launch.
Rescue Operation Underway
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which oversees the monorail, confirmed the incident and said that immediate rescue efforts were launched. Specialized teams arrived at the spot with ladders and emergency equipment to safely evacuate the passengers.
Officials stated that priority was given to elderly passengers and children, who were escorted out first. Some passengers had to be guided onto the tracks before being walked to the nearest station under staff supervision. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though several commuters described the ordeal as “nerve-wracking.”
Repeated Technical Failures Raise Questions
This is not the first time Mumbai’s monorail has faced technical issues. Since its partial inauguration in 2014, the project has been marred by frequent breakdowns, low ridership, and safety concerns. Critics argue that despite being touted as a futuristic mode of transport, the monorail has consistently struggled with maintenance lapses, operational gaps, and power supply interruptions.
Transport experts noted that such incidents erode public confidence in the system. “A transport network is only as strong as its reliability. A single breakdown during peak hours can cause widespread chaos, and unfortunately, the monorail has not been able to prove its dependability,” said a senior urban mobility analyst.
Authorities Respond
In response to the growing criticism, MMRDA issued a statement assuring commuters that the matter was being investigated. They attributed the failure to a sudden loss of traction power and promised to take corrective measures to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
An official said, “Passenger safety remains our top priority. The rescue operation was conducted swiftly, and we will conduct a detailed technical audit to ensure that such incidents do not recur.”
Commuters React Online
As news spread, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from Mumbaikars. While some expressed relief that no lives were lost, others vented frustration at the city’s struggling infrastructure. Memes, videos, and angry posts highlighted the growing disillusionment among citizens regarding the monorail’s performance.
One commuter wrote, “The monorail was supposed to make travel faster, but instead, it feels like a gamble every time you step in.” Another quipped, “It’s not a monorail, it’s a monorisk.”
Looking Ahead
Despite its rocky track record, the Mumbai monorail remains a crucial part of the city’s transport blueprint, designed to decongest road traffic and offer last-mile connectivity. However, unless urgent steps are taken to ensure reliability, safety, and efficiency, experts warn that commuters may completely lose trust in the system.
For now, passengers rescued from Sunday’s ordeal will remember the frightening experience of being stranded mid-air—an incident that once again raises the pressing question: Can Mumbai’s monorail live up to its promise?
