Mumbai’s expanding metro network has come under scrutiny after two derailments in less than two months, raising questions about operational readiness and safety protocols during system testing. The latest incident, which occurred during a trial run near Dahisar on September 24, was initially described by the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) as a “minor technical glitch”. However, officials familiar with internal findings indicate that the mishap reflected communication and procedural lapses within the testing framework.
The derailment took place around dawn when an empty train was being returned to the Charkop depot after overnight trials on Metro Line 9. The train was manually navigating a crossover between Metro Lines 2A and 7 when it left the tracks near Ovaripada station. This section, which involves software-driven signalling managed by Alstom, requires precise coordination between testing and operations teams. According to senior officials, the derailment points to a breakdown in the interface between automated signalling and manual control — a risk that grows when multiple lines are integrated during commissioning. Passenger services on the operational Metro 2A and 7 corridors were disrupted for more than five hours, affecting peak-hour commuters travelling between Dahisar, Andheri West, and Gundavali. With one track rendered unusable, trains were terminated early and access was restricted at several stations, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.
The incident has drawn parallels with the November 5 monorail derailment at Wadala, which left three personnel injured. Both cases were publicly downplayed as minor events, but insiders say they underscore a worrying pattern of limited transparency and reactive management. Experts argue that as Mumbai’s metro network grows, such operational oversights could undermine public confidence in the system’s safety and reliability. Urban transport planners caution that Mumbai’s ongoing metro expansion — which includes elevated, underground, and connector lines such as the upcoming Metro 9 between Dahisar East and Kashigaon — represents a highly complex phase. “Trial runs are critical for identifying gaps,” said a senior planner. “But when those lapses escalate into derailments, the process must be reviewed with accountability and openness.”
The city’s rapid urbanisation demands mobility systems that are not only efficient but also safe, sustainable, and publicly trusted. As Mumbai transitions towards a more interconnected and carbon-efficient public transport network, experts stress the need for stronger safety governance, cross-agency coordination, and real-time risk reporting. Transparent communication with citizens, they say, will be essential for maintaining faith in the city’s sustainable mobility future.
Mumbai Metro Downplayed Dahisar September 24 Derailment During Trial Run, Say Officials
