Mumbai: MMRDA Temporarily Suspends Monorail Services To Make Several Upgrades
**Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority Temporarily Suspends Monorail Services for Major Upgrades**
Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has temporarily suspended monorail services starting Saturday to facilitate extensive upgrades aimed at improving the system’s efficiency, safety, and reliability.
Following the suspension, the MMRDA plans to install a new block that will enable faster integration of new rolling stock. As part of the improvements, the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling systems will be upgraded, and the existing monorail fleet will undergo refurbishment during this period.
Earlier, on September 17, MMRDA had announced the suspension as a necessary step to enhance the monorail service system and prepare it for future transportation needs. The suspension will allow uninterrupted installation, commissioning, and integrated testing of new rakes and advanced signalling systems. Additionally, the authority intends to carry out complete overhauling and retrofitting of older rakes to ensure glitch-free performance once services resume.
**Statement from Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA**
Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, emphasized that this suspension is a well-planned initiative to rejuvenate Mumbai’s monorail network.
“This temporary block is a carefully thought-out step to rejuvenate the Monorail. By inducting new rakes, deploying advanced CBTC signalling, and refurbishing the existing fleet, we are ensuring that the system becomes safer, more dependable, and future-ready. We value the patience of citizens and assure them that when the Monorail returns, it will be with renewed strength, reliability, and the confidence to serve Mumbai better,” said Mukherjee.
**Key Upgrades to Mumbai’s Monorail**
– **CBTC Signalling System:** To enhance safety, reduce train intervals, and improve service reliability, the indigenously developed CBTC system from Hyderabad is being installed for the first time in Mumbai’s monorail network. This includes five electronic interlockings installed at 32 locations, 260 Wi-Fi access points, 500 RFID tags, 90 train detection systems, and several WATC units.
– **New Rolling Stock:** In collaboration with SMH Rail, MMRDA has procured ten new “Make-in-India” rakes from M/s MEDHA company, which will be integrated into the existing fleet.
– **Refurbishment of Existing Fleet:** Older rakes will be overhauled and retrofitted to ensure smooth and glitch-free operations.
**Comments from Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde**
Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Chairman of MMRDA, expressed confidence in the upgraded monorail services post-suspension.
“The block of the Monorail is a vital step in strengthening Mumbai’s transport backbone. The introduction of new rakes, advanced CBTC signalling, and the refurbishment of the existing fleet will ensure safer and more reliable services for citizens. This short block is necessary to complete the work with speed and precision. With the cooperation of Mumbaikars, we will bring back the Monorail in a stronger form,” said Shinde.
The MMRDA thanks Mumbai citizens for their patience and support during this upgrade process, which aims to provide a future-ready, efficient, and safer monorail system for all commuters.
*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-mmrda-temporarily-suspends-monorail-services-to-make-several-upgrades
