In a dramatic turn of events, 582 passengers were rescued after being stranded inside the Mumbai Monorail for nearly four hours due to a technical snag during torrential rain. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening around 6:15 pm, when the monorail, fully packed with passengers, halted abruptly between Bhakti Park and Chembur stations due to a power supply issue.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) coordinated the rescue operation, which was carried out by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the fire brigade. The passengers were stranded on the elevated track, and sky ladders were deployed to assist in their evacuation.

Overcrowding and Power Breakdown Lead to Crisis

According to passengers, the train had become overcrowded as a result of the closure of the Harbour Line due to heavy rain, causing more commuters to turn to the monorail. This led to a power failure, and emergency brakes were activated, bringing the train to a halt. Twelve passengers who suffered from breathlessness and suffocation were immediately hospitalised, but their conditions were later reported as stable.

Government Responds and Inquiries Launched

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was in contact with the relevant authorities, assured the public that an inquiry would be conducted into the cause of the incident. He urged passengers to remain calm during the rescue operation.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde explained that overcrowding caused by the closure of the Harbour Line had exacerbated the technical issue, leading to the power failure and subsequent stoppage.

The Mumbai Monorail, operational since 2014, is a crucial part of the city’s public transport system, offering a quicker commute for daily passengers between Chembur and Wadala. However, this incident has raised concerns regarding overcrowding and the reliability of the system during extreme weather events.