Mumbai: A monorail coach tilted during a routine system trial at the Wadala–GTB Nagar station on Wednesday morning due to a suspected technical fault, prompting an immediate response from the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) and engineers from the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd. (MMMOCL).

According to the reports, the incident occurred around 9 am near the RTO Junction in Wadala (East). No passengers were on board at the time, and no injuries were reported. According to the MFB, the tilt took place during a controlled technical test, with monorail staff present at the site to handle the situation. The first alert was received at 9 am, and by 9.25 am, officials confirmed that the situation was under control.

In a statement, MMMOCL clarified that the incident happened during advanced system trials conducted as part of its ongoing technology upgrade programme. The trials involve testing the new Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology being implemented by Medha SMH Rail Pvt. Ltd., the designated contractor for the project.

“These trials are carried out in a fully protected environment under strict safety protocols. The objective is to simulate extreme or ‘worst-case’ scenarios to assess system performance and ensure safety preparedness before commercial deployment,” the agency said.

Two technical personnel, including the train operator, were on board during the test. MMMOCL emphasised that these trials are part of a scheduled validation process to enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the city’s monorail network. “Citizens are advised not to panic, as these are internal, controlled trials and not operational failures,” the statement added.

To maintain project timelines and minimise inconvenience to commuters, several of these tests are being conducted on holidays and during non-operational hours.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which owns the system, has suspended all monorail services since 20 September 2025 to facilitate the installation of new rakes, the commissioning of the CBTC-based signalling system, and a complete fleet and infrastructure upgrade.

The suspension followed recurring technical issues and frequent service interruptions in recent years that had affected commuter confidence. Officials noted that the downtime is being used to carry out a comprehensive modernisation plan aimed at improving safety, reliability, and punctuality.

The latest mishap comes amid a string of recent technical setbacks for the monorail network. On August 20, a train broke down between Chembur and Bhakti Park stations during heavy rain, stranding more than 500 passengers until they were rescued. Again, on September 15, another monorail developed a software snag near Wadala, forcing an emergency evacuation of 17 passengers and causing a two-hour service disruption.