English
English
English
After the recent Monorail breakdown near Bhakti Park left passengers stranded, the BMC has directed all Metro and Monorail operators to submit detailed emergency management plans. What triggered this move, and what will it include?
Mock drills and preparedness reviews to become mandatory for all operators.
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMA) of Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban districts have directed all agencies operating Metro and Monorail services to submit their emergency management and disaster response plans.
The decision follows a review meeting chaired by Dr Vipin Sharma, Additional Municipal Commissioner and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority. The meeting focused on assessing Mumbai’s preparedness for handling emergencies in its expanding public transport network.
This order comes months after a technical snag halted Monorail services near Bhakti Park in Chembur on August 19, leaving several passengers stranded mid-air for hours. The incident exposed gaps in real-time communication, rescue coordination, and passenger management during disruptions.
Officials said the directive was issued to ensure all operating agencies, including the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and Mumbai Monorail, have updated and coordinated disaster management plans.
The goal is to establish a standardized approach for responding to emergencies such as equipment failure, fire hazards, flooding, or derailments. “Passenger safety and quick response are our top priorities. We have asked every operator to share their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure these align with the city’s overall disaster management framework,” said Dr Sharma.
This is not the first time Mumbai’s rail-based transport systems have faced operational crises. Since its launch, the city’s Monorail has encountered multiple breakdowns, including a major fire in November 2017 that led to a temporary shutdown. Passengers have often reported being trapped in mid-air cabins without proper ventilation or communication.
Similarly, during the 2021 floods, certain Metro construction sites and stations faced severe waterlogging, highlighting vulnerabilities in drainage and emergency access. Authorities believe a consolidated disaster management plan could prevent such chaos in future.
Will Delhi metro’s platform extension at 32 stations end peak-hour chaos?
The proposed plans will include detailed SOPs for incident response, coordination mechanisms with fire and police departments, emergency communication channels, passenger evacuation routes, and periodic safety audits.
BMC officials also emphasized the importance of mock drills to test preparedness levels. Dr Ashwini Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), said, “Regular mock drills are crucial to assess real-time coordination between agencies and ensure passenger safety.”
Each operating body has been asked to create a contact network for emergency responders and designate command centers for crisis communication. The DDMA will review and approve the plans before implementation.
Mumbai’s public transport system carries millions daily, and its reliability directly impacts the city’s economy and daily life. Experts believe this move marks a step toward greater accountability and improved coordination among operators.
By institutionalizing disaster preparedness, authorities hope to minimize disruptions, reduce panic during emergencies, and build public confidence in Mumbai’s modern transport infrastructure.
