Wadala Mumbai Monorail Test Run Incident: Train Tilts During Trial, No Passengers Onboard
- Wadala Mumbai Monorail Test Run Incident: A test train tilted during a controlled trial at Wadala depot. No passengers were onboard, and crew members were safely rescued as officials confirm safety measures remain intact.
Wadala Mumbai Monorail Test Run Incident occurred on Wednesday morning when a monorail train tilted during a signalling trial at the Wadala depot in Mumbai. Fortunately, there were no passengers onboard, and both crew members were rescued safely without any major injuries.
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Train Tilted During Signalling Trials
According to officials from the Maha Mumbai Metro Operations Corporation Limited (MMMOCL), the incident took place around 9:00 a.m. during a scheduled system trial intended to test the new Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology. The train, while undergoing a switching sequence, experienced a technical glitch that caused it to tilt and partially derail against a side structure.
A senior fire brigade official confirmed that two technical staff, including the motorman, were rescued promptly. The incident caused minor damage to the train and alignment but did not affect any passenger areas, as operations for the public have been suspended since September 20 for system upgradation.
A video clip of the tilted monorail shared on social media quickly went viral.
🎥 Watch here:
MMMOCL’s Official Response
Following the Wadala Mumbai Monorail Test Run Incident, MMMOCL released a statement describing the event as “minor” and reassuring citizens that there was no threat to safety. The agency clarified that the test was conducted in a controlled environment to simulate “extreme conditions” before full-scale operational rollout.
“The situation was immediately brought under control, and there were no injuries to any staff or personnel. The trial was carried out in a fully protected environment adhering to all safety protocols,” the MMMOCL statement read.
It further emphasized that such trials are a standard part of system testing to ensure preparedness for real-world scenarios. The ongoing upgrades, led by Medha SMH Rail Pvt. Ltd., focus on improving signalling systems, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Previous Technical Challenges
Monorail services between Chembur and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk have remained suspended since September 20, as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) conducts major system upgrades. The decision followed repeated technical glitches that disrupted services in August and September this year.
In one instance on September 15, a monorail halted abruptly near Wadala, stranding 17 passengers amid heavy rainfall. A few weeks earlier, on August 25, two separate breakdowns left nearly 782 passengers stranded at different locations across Mumbai. These incidents prompted MMRDA to form a special inquiry committee to investigate recurring failures and recommend long-term safety solutions.
Also read: Mumbai Longest Flyover: MMRDA Plans 21-Km Double-Decker Link Between Shil Phata And Bhiwandi
Focus on Safety and Modernisation
MMMOCL and MMRDA have jointly stated that the current suspension period is crucial for completing retrofitting of older rakes, installation of upgraded CBTC systems, and training personnel for future operations. The authorities explained that monorail services usually run from 6:15 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., leaving only a short three-hour window for maintenance — insufficient for comprehensive upgrades.
“The suspension period will enable uninterrupted installation, commissioning, and integrated testing of new rakes and signalling systems,” said an MMRDA official. “It will also facilitate complete overhauling and ensure glitch-free performance once services resume.”
The agencies reiterated their commitment to world-class safety standards and advanced technology, promising smoother and safer travel for Mumbaikars once the revamped monorail resumes service.
The Wadala Mumbai Monorail Test Run Incident has once again drawn attention to the importance of safety and modernization in the city’s public transport system. While the minor tilt raised initial concern, officials confirmed it was a controlled testing scenario with no risk to commuters. As Mumbai’s monorail network undergoes a significant technological overhaul, the focus remains on achieving long-term reliability, efficiency, and passenger confidence in the system.
