On August 19, 2025, over 500 passengers were successfully rescued from two Mumbai Monorail trains that stalled mid-air due to a power failure amidst torrential rains. The incident occurred on elevated tracks, leaving passengers stranded between stations.
The disruption was primarily caused by overcrowding, which led to the monorail exceeding its weight capacity of 104 metric tonnes and disrupting the power supply. The closure of the Indian Railways Harbour Line due to the heavy downpour led to a surge in passengers on the Monorail, which is designed as a low-capacity transit system and not equipped to handle sudden spikes in commuter volume. One of the Monorail trains got stuck between Mysore Colony and Bhakti Park stations around 6:15 PM.
Panic ensued inside the train, particularly in the one stuck between Mysore Colony and Bhakti Park, as the electricity and air conditioning systems shut down. Fifteen passengers complained of suffocation. While 14 were treated on the spot, one girl was hospitalized and reported to be in stable condition. Videos circulating on social media showed passengers attempting to break open the windows of the stranded monorail. A woman passenger reported there was no air conditioning or electricity inside the train.
The Mumbai Fire Brigade, along with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), launched a coordinated rescue operation. Three snorkel vehicles were deployed to evacuate the passengers. Rescue teams initially attempted to tow the stalled train using another monorail, but this was unsuccessful due to jammed brakes on the affected train. The rescue operation lasted for almost four hours. Commuters contacted the BMC helpline at 1916, which prompted a quick response. A medical team was also dispatched to the site, and nearby municipal hospitals were put on standby.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the public that all passengers would be safely evacuated and that an inquiry would be conducted into the incident. He stated that the safety of passengers was the highest priority and urged people not to panic. MMRDA officials stated they are coordinating with BMC and emergency services to provide passenger assistance, safely deboard the affected commuters and restore power and operations as soon as possible.
Services between Wadala and Chembur were operating on a single line while rescue operations were underway. MMRDA is conducting a detailed technical review to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
