In an important development poised to reshape Mumbai’s urban transit landscape, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is spearheading efforts to revive the city’s monorail services.
With the arrival of the first coach of the four-car monorail at its Wadala depot, a wave of optimism envelops the initiative, signalling a new era for public transportation in the bustling metropolis. This revival effort stems from a strategic partnership between Telangana-based Medha Servo Drives and Malaysia-based SMH Rail, underscoring India’s commitment to the Make in India initiative. Securing a substantial Rs 700 crore contract, the collaboration aims to deliver 40 cars, translating to ten four-car trains, thus revitalising Mumbai’s monorail fleet. Notably, the shift from the previous Malaysian manufacturer, Scomi, reflects a strategic pivot towards domestic production and technological advancement.
An official from the project highlighted the technological prowess of the new monorail rakes, emphasising improved riding quality, a durable metal body akin to metro trains, and enhanced frequency. Anticipated reductions in service intervals from the current 20-25 minutes to a mere five minutes promise to revolutionise commuter experiences and alleviate congestion on Mumbai’s busy thoroughfares. However, the journey towards operationalising these revamped monorail services entails rigorous testing and regulatory approvals. Following manufacturer trials, the Commissioner of Railway Safety will conduct assessments to ensure compliance with safety standards before granting final clearance for public use.
The MMRDA’s strategic restructuring, merging the Monorail Project Implementation Unit with the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation in January 2024, underscores a holistic approach to addressing the financial challenges plaguing the monorail system. Despite previous fiscal setbacks, estimated at approximately Rs 529 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24, concerted efforts towards innovation and efficiency position Mumbai’s monorail for a transformative resurgence, emblematic of India’s aspirations for sustainable urban mobility. In essence, Mumbai’s monorail revival initiative symbolises a convergence of technological innovation, domestic manufacturing prowess, and strategic governance, heralding a new chapter in the city’s transit evolution.
