A dramatic rescue operation unfolded in Mumbai on Tuesday evening as all 582 passengers trapped aboard a stalled monorail were successfully evacuated after nearly four hours of being stranded in heavy rainfall conditions.

The Incident

The crisis began at approximately 6:15 pm when the fully-packed monorail came to an abrupt halt on its elevated track between Bhakti Park and Chembur station, near Mysore Colony. The sudden stop was caused by a power supply failure that occurred amid torrential rains lashing the city.

Passengers found themselves trapped inside the stationary rake, with some experiencing suffocation and breathing difficulties due to the overcrowded conditions and lack of ventilation. The situation prompted immediate calls to the civic body helpline, triggering a coordinated rescue response.

The Rescue Operation

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), working alongside the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the fire brigade, launched an extensive rescue operation. Sky ladders were deployed to evacuate passengers from the elevated monorail track, a complex operation that required careful coordination given the height and weather conditions.

One rescued passenger described the harrowing experience: “I was on the train from 5:30 pm. The rescue operation started after one hour. There were at least 500 passengers on the train. This train arrived after a gap of 30 minutes, so the entire train was overloaded with passengers.”

Medical Response

During the ordeal, twelve passengers required hospitalization due to breathlessness and suffocation symptoms. Medical officials reported that all affected individuals are in stable condition and are expected to be discharged soon.

Government Response

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis closely monitored the situation throughout the rescue operation, maintaining contact with emergency officials and ordering a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. In a public statement, he urged passengers to remain calm while assuring them of their safety.

“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,” Fadnavis communicated via social media.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde explained that the incident was exacerbated by unusual passenger volumes. The closure of the Harbour Line due to heavy rainfall had forced many commuters to opt for the monorail, resulting in severe overcrowding that contributed to the power system failure.

“Due to the closure of the Harbour Line, several passengers started travelling on the monorail. This led to overcrowding on the train, and a power breakdown occurred. Due to the power breakdown, emergency brakes were applied and the train stopped,” Shinde elaborated.

About Mumbai Monorail

The Mumbai monorail system, which began operations in 2014, spans a 20-kilometer route connecting Chembur to Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk. The system serves as a crucial component of Mumbai’s public transportation network, with key stations at Chembur, Wadala, and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk.

Designed to enhance the city’s public transport infrastructure, the monorail provides an efficient travel option for daily commuters, particularly those traveling between Chembur and Wadala. With fares ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 40, it offers an affordable and typically time-efficient mode of transportation.

Looking Forward

Following this incident, the Maharashtra government has committed to implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The promised inquiry will examine both the technical failure that caused the power breakdown and the operational issues that led to overcrowding during adverse weather conditions.

The successful rescue operation, while highlighting vulnerabilities in the city’s transportation system during extreme weather, also demonstrated the effectiveness of Mumbai’s emergency response capabilities when multiple agencies coordinate their efforts to ensure passenger safety.