Mumbai: A monorail coach tilted during a system trial at Wadala–GTB Nagar station on Wednesday morning, triggering a prompt response from the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) and technical teams from the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd. (MMMOCL).The incident occurred around 9 am near the RTO Junction in Wadala (East). No passengers were on board, and no injuries were reported.According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the tilt occurred during a technical test, and monorail staff were present at the site to manage the situation. The MFB received the first alert around 9 am and confirmed at 9.25 am that the situation was under control.In a detailed statement, MMMOCL clarified that the incident took place during advanced system trials forming part of its ongoing technology upgradation programme. The agency said the trials involve testing the new Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology being implemented by Medha SMH Rail Pvt. Ltd., the designated contractor for the project.“These trials are conducted in a fully protected environment under strict safety protocols. The aim is to simulate extreme or ‘worst-case’ scenarios to evaluate system performance and ensure preparedness before actual deployment,” MMMOCL said. Two technical staff members, including the operator, were on board during the test.The agency also stressed that the trials are part of a routine series of validationundefineds aimed at improving operational safety, efficiency, and reliability of the monorail network. “Citizens are requested not to panic as these are internal, controlled trials and not operational failures,” the statement said. The corporation added that to maintain project timelines and minimize inconvenience to commuters, some of these tests are being conducted on holidays and during non-operational hours.The MMRDA, which owns the system, suspended all monorail services from September 20, 2025, to facilitate the installation of new rakes, the commissioning of the CBTC-based signalling system, and an overall fleet and infrastructure upgrade.The decision came after recurring technical snags and frequent service interruptions over the past few years had undermined commuter confidence. Officials said the suspension period is being used to implement a comprehensive modernization plan that will eventually improve safety, reliability, and punctuality. The mishap comes amid a series of recent technical setbacks for the city’s monorail service. On August 20, a train broke down between Chembur and Bhakti Park stations during heavy rains, leaving over 500 passengers stranded until they were rescued. Again, on September 15, another monorail train developed a software-related snag near Wadala, forcing an emergency evacuation of 17 passengers. Services on that day were partially disrupted for more than two hours.
