Mumbai’s monorail network, often positioned as a modern alternative to ease the city’s transport burden, came under renewed scrutiny on Monday when services were abruptly disrupted near Wadala due to a power supply failure. The incident left passengers stranded mid-journey until officials managed to shift them onto another rake arriving from Chembur.
According to transport officials, the snag was traced to an interruption in electricity supply that forced the stalled train to halt unexpectedly. Rescue operations were activated, with fire services and monorail staff assisting in transferring passengers to a functional service. While the situation was brought under control without major injuries, the repeated disruptions have amplified concerns over the reliability of this infrastructure. This was not the first breakdown to strike the monorail system. In August, over 580 passengers were stranded for hours between Chembur and Bhakti Park after a similar power failure caused by overcrowding. That incident had triggered a large-scale response from civic agencies, including police, fire brigade, and municipal services, and left several commuters requiring immediate medical attention for suffocation.
Experts have pointed out that recurring power-related failures expose structural weaknesses in the operation and maintenance of the monorail. Given that the project was envisioned as a sustainable urban transport solution to reduce congestion and emissions, frequent breakdowns not only erode commuter confidence but also challenge its viability as a reliable eco-friendly alternative. Urban planners argue that Mumbai requires robust and dependable public transport modes that can absorb daily commuter volumes while aligning with the city’s climate resilience agenda. The monorail was expected to complement the suburban rail and metro network, but its repeated glitches highlight gaps in technical oversight, operational preparedness, and long-term maintenance planning.
Passengers affected by Monday’s incident expressed frustration, citing safety concerns and delays in emergency communication. Officials maintained that efforts are underway to strengthen the power supply system, improve real-time monitoring, and deploy contingency measures to prevent prolonged disruptions. For a city striving to transition towards equitable and sustainable transport, these repeated failures place the spotlight back on accountability, governance, and systemic investment. Mumbai’s monorail, which should have symbolised cleaner and efficient mobility, now risks becoming emblematic of missed opportunities in urban infrastructure.
Until these recurring issues are addressed with seriousness, the promise of an inclusive, carbon-conscious transport system will remain unfulfilled for the millions of commuters who rely on the city’s public transport backbone.
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