Mumbai Monorail Breaks Down, Stranding Over 200 Passengers

A Monorail train in Mumbai broke down on March 15, 2024, stranding more than 200 passengers for over three hours. The incident occurred between the Chembur and Bhakti Park stations as the city faced relentless rainfall, severely disrupting local transit. Emergency teams from the BMC, fire department, and police mobilized to evacuate the stranded commuters safely.

Rescue operations began promptly after the breakdown was reported. Video footage captured the efforts of emergency personnel assisting passengers out of the immobilized train. Authorities confirmed that all affected individuals were being taken to nearby hospitals for precautionary checks, although no injuries were reported.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pledged that all passengers would be rescued safely and announced an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the breakdown. “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 stated on social media platform X.

He reassured the public, urging calm during the operation. “No one should worry or panic as all passengers will be safely evacuated,” he added. Fadnavis mentioned he was in constant contact with officials to monitor the situation. “I request everyone to remain patient. I am in contact with the MMRDA Commissioner, the Municipal Commissioner, the police, and all relevant agencies. An inquiry will also be conducted into why this incident occurred,” he said.

Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani confirmed that approximately 200 passengers were onboard the stranded train. This incident unfolded amid record rainfall in Mumbai over the preceding 24 hours, which has led to significant flooding, disrupted local train services, and caused severe traffic congestion throughout the city.

Officials reported that all possible measures were being enacted to ensure the safe evacuation of passengers and to investigate the cause of the technical failure. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Mumbai’s infrastructure during adverse weather conditions and the need for effective crisis management in urban transit systems.