Mumbai rains : 800 rescued as two Mumbai monorails halt midway
Mumbai faced chaos on August 19, 2025, as two monorail trains stalled mid-track due to heavy rainfall, stranding 782 passengers. The first incident occurred at 6:38 p.m. between Bhakti Park and Mysore Colony stations in Chembur (East), leaving commuters suspended for over two hours. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), police, and emergency services swiftly mobilized, rescuing 582 passengers using Turn Table Ladders (TTL) and Aerial Ladder Platforms (ALP). “We arrived within 10 minutes and ensured all passengers were safely evacuated,” said Ravindra Ambulgekar, Chief Fire Officer of the MFB.
A second monorail, carrying 200 passengers, halted near Wadala station but was successfully towed back, allowing for quicker evacuation. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) attributed the breakdowns to overcrowding triggered by the closure of the Indian Railways Harbour Line due to flooding. The MMRDA reported that the first train’s weight reached 109 metric tonnes, exceeding its 104-tonne capacity, causing a mechanical failure in the power rail connection. “This excess weight disrupted the electricity supply,” an MMRDA statement explained.
Despite efforts by security personnel to manage boarding, the surge in commuters overwhelmed the system. The MMRDA emphasized that the monorail is designed for low-capacity corridors, not high-volume loads like suburban railways. “We urge commuters to follow security instructions during emergencies,” an official said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the public of a thorough investigation into the incidents. “All agencies, including MMRDA, MFB, and the municipal corporation, prioritized passenger safety,” he posted on X. He added that he was in constant contact with relevant authorities to oversee the rescue operations.
The heavy rains, which dumped nearly 300 mm of rainfall on Mumbai, also caused widespread disruptions, including flooded roads and delayed trains. The India Beinews of The Hindu reported that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for August 20, with reduced rainfall expected from August 21.