Mumbai: Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority is set to restart Monorail services on the 19.54 km corridor between Chembur and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk after securing mandatory safety certification. Services had been suspended since September 20, 2025, for system upgrades and fleet modernisation.

The shutdown allowed for the integration of new Rolling Stock, advanced Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling, and the refurbishment of the existing fleet, aiming to deliver safer, smoother, and more reliable operations for commuters.

In a statement on X, the MMRDA said, “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 involves appointing a retired Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the entire corridor and grant the final statutory clearance for passenger operations. This process is expected to conclude shortly, paving the way for the Monorail’s public relaunch.

The ISA certification followed rigorous milestones, including detailed inspections at the manufacturing facility, two months of operational testing along the corridor, extensive static and dynamic trials to ensure compliance with design and safety standards, oscillation tests, and interface-level evaluation of the CBTC signalling system.

The upgraded ‘Made in India’ Monorail rakes feature 21 modern enhancements, such as CCTV cameras in every train, Divyang-friendly seating, mobile and laptop charging points, dynamic route maps, improved suspension, fire-safety compliant design, metro-style interiors, and real-time monitoring and surveillance systems.

The MMRDA reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a safer, smarter, and more reliable Monorail service for Mumbai commuters very soon.

IANS