Maharashtra CM Fadnavis, Deputy CM Shinde React To Mumbai Monorail With 400 Passengers Breakdown

A major breakdown on Mumbai's Monorail line left nearly 200 passengers stranded for over three hours near Mysore Colony station on Tuesday evening. The incident, caused by a power supply failure amid heavy rains, prompted swift intervention from Maharashtra's top leadership.

CM Takes Charge

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis immediately issued directions to rescue agencies after learning of the monorail's failure. In a statement, he emphasized that passenger safety was the government's "highest priority" and assured that a full-fledged inquiry would be conducted.

"I am in constant contact with the MMRDA Commissioner, the Municipal Commissioner, and the police. All agencies are working together to ensure the safe evacuation of passengers. Nobody should panic," Fadnavis said.

He also ordered the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to submit a detailed report on the causes of the malfunction.

Deputy CM's Direct Outreach

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde went a step further by virtually interacting with passengers after their evacuation, reassuring them of the government's commitment to their safety. His message was aimed at calming nerves and restoring public confidence in the city's transport systems.

"I personally spoke to passengers who went through this ordeal. The government will not tolerate negligence, and strict action will be taken once the inquiry report is received," Shinde said.

The Incident

The monorail, carrying almost double its designed load capacity of 109 metric tonnes, stalled on a sharp curve when an emergency brake system activated. Attempts to tow the train with another rake failed, leaving it suspended several feet above ground.

Rescue teams had to break windows and use cranes, ladders, and scissor lifts to safely bring passengers down by 9:15 pm. Buses were then arranged to take them home.

Wider Impact on Mumbai Transport

The monorail disruption was just one part of Mumbai's transport chaos on Tuesday. Heavy rains caused:

Local train delays on Central Railway's main and harbour lines due to submerged tracks.

Flight disruptions at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, with average delays of 40 minutes, 17 go-arounds, and 11 diversions.

Political and Public Pressure

While officials called the issue a "minor power supply glitch," videos of stranded passengers in the rain spread widely online, fueling public anger. Opposition parties also questioned whether the government had invested enough in monorail upkeep.