The Monorail is set to resume operations with a planned fleet of 12 rakes, operating at an eight-minute frequency once services restart. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has additionally acquired 10 new rakes manufactured in India by Medha Engineering in partnership with SMH Rail. These newly built trains will be introduced into service only after receiving all mandatory safety approvals. Authorities have indicated that the deployment of the expanded fleet is expected to significantly improve reliability, reduce waiting time for commuters, and enhance the overall passenger experience once commercial operations recommence.
In parallel, MMRDA is waiting for approval from the state Urban Development Department to designate a senior engineer who will review and validate the conclusions of an independent third-party safety audit. This verification remains a crucial procedural requirement before restoring passenger services. Officials noted that even after the audit findings are confirmed, an additional two months will be necessary to conduct comprehensive trials and system testing prior to restarting full-scale commercial operations. The phased approach is aimed at ensuring that every technical and operational aspect meets prescribed safety standards before commuters are allowed back on board.
At 9:30 pm, the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) shared an update on X, announcing that an independent safety assessment clearance certificate had been obtained.
The post reads, “Mumbai, the wait is almost over. A brand-new, safer, smarter, and smoother Monorail will soon be at your service. We’re proud to share that the Monorail has secured the mandatory safety certification for its new rolling stock and the CBTC-based signalling system from the Independent Safety Assessor, Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification. This is a massive milestone and brings us one step closer to opening the upgraded Monorail for public use.”
“The next step will be the appointment of a retired Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety official to carry out a comprehensive inspection of the entire 19.54 km Monorail corridor and to grant the final statutory clearance to resume passenger operations. This process is also expected to be completed soon, after which the new, improved Monorail will be back in action for Mumbai,” it reads.
Monorail services have remained suspended since September 20 last year after recurring technical glitches triggered serious safety concerns. The decision to halt operations followed several breakdowns in 2025, during which trains stalled mid-route and left hundreds of commuters stranded inside coaches. In response, MMRDA initiated an extensive overhaul programme that included inducting new rolling stock, installing communications-based train control signalling, and refurbishing the existing fleet. The objective has been to modernise the system and prevent a repeat of earlier disruptions that had undermined passenger confidence.
Officials further explained that the restoration work has faced logistical challenges, particularly due to restricted maintenance windows. Each night, engineers have access to only around three-and-a-half hours for installation and testing activities. This limitation arises because the power rails must be shut down, discharged, and later recharged before the next day’s operations. The tight schedule has slowed progress but authorities maintain that all upgrades are being executed with strict adherence to safety protocols to ensure a secure and reliable restart of the Monorail network.