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The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will suspend Mumbai Monorail services later this month to fast-track major modernisation works. The upgrade includes the installation of a new indigenously developed CBTC signalling system, expected to improve safety, reduce train intervals, and enhance reliability. Ten new Make-in-India rakes are being procured, with eight already delivered, while older rakes will undergo overhauls and retrofitting. The suspension allows round-the-clock work, as limited night-time windows had slowed progress. Officials assured commuters that once services resume, the monorail will return stronger, safer, and more dependable, reinforcing Mumbai's transport network with modern technology and better fleet integration.
In a move aimed at strengthening and upgrading the city's monorail network, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) announced that services on the Mumbai Monorail will remain suspended from later this month. The authority explained that the temporary suspension will enable uninterrupted execution of critical modernisation works that have so far been progressing at a slow pace due to restricted night-time working hours. Advertisement
The MMRDA is currently installing an indigenously developed CBTC signalling system for the first time on the monorail, with electronic interlockings, Wi-Fi access points, RFID tags, train detection systems, and other advanced components already deployed across the corridor. Integrated testing of the wayside signalling system has begun. Officials said that this state-of-the-art system is expected to enhance safety, reduce train intervals, and improve service reliability for passengers.
Alongside the signalling works, the authority has procured ten new Make-in-India monorail rakes from MEDHA in collaboration with SMH Rail. Eight rakes have been delivered, the ninth has been offered for inspection, and the tenth is in its final stages of assembly. Older rakes will also undergo complete overhauls and retrofitment during the suspension period to eliminate technical glitches and improve operational performance.
The MMRDA noted that with daily services running from early morning until late night, only a short maintenance window has been available, making it difficult to carry out the extensive work safely. The full suspension will allow round-the-clock installation, commissioning, and testing, along with manpower training and redeployment for upcoming metro operations. A committee has also been set up to enquire into recent technical issues that disrupted monorail services.
Services in both directions between Chembur and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk will remain suspended until further notice. The authority has urged citizens to plan their journeys accordingly during the upgrade period.
Sri Eknath Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Chairman of MMRDA, mentioned that the block was an essential step to strengthen Mumbai's transport network. He stated that the addition of new rakes, advanced signalling, and fleet refurbishment would help deliver safer and more reliable services, and that with public cooperation the monorail would return in a stronger form.
Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, commented that the temporary block was a carefully planned measure to rejuvenate the monorail. He said that by introducing new rakes, installing CBTC signalling, and refurbishing the existing fleet, the system would become safer, more dependable, and future-ready, assuring citizens that the monorail would resume with enhanced strength and reliability.
Officials expressed confidence that the modernised system, equipped with new rakes, advanced signalling, and a refurbished fleet, will deliver a safer and more efficient service. They reassured commuters that once operations resume, the upgraded monorail will be better equipped to serve Mumbai's eastern corridor with improved reliability and stronger public transport integration.
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