Mumbai, Aug 20 (PTI) In the wake of two overcrowded monorail trains getting stuck on elevated tracks, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has set forth a range of immediate and long-term measures to enhance passenger safety and operational efficiency.
Following this incident on Tuesday evening, where 782 passengers had to be rescued during heavy rains, MMRDA announced directives to the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) to bolster safety protocols and operational vigilance.
MMRDA affirmed that no passengers sustained injuries and that all were safely evacuated after several reported suffocation and fainting when power and air-conditioning systems failed.
To mitigate such risks in the short term, monorail station staff have been instructed to regulate passenger loads strictly, ensuring the weight does not surpass the 104-tonne limit per coach.
Overcrowded trains will be halted, with passengers safely deboarding before service resumes.
Each train will now have an onboard security personnel and a trained technician to manage crowding and technical issues during journeys.
Additionally, MMRDA is conducting inspections of emergency ventilation windows, adding clear labels for emergencies, and enhancing safety signage within trains to aid passengers in exit procedures.
Director (Maintenance) is responsible for carrying out comprehensive fleet inspections to ensure strict compliance with safety standards.
Long-term strategies include adding 10 new Monorail trains into service upon completing trials and certification, increasing capacity and alleviating stress on the current fleet.
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani praised the Mumbai Fire Brigade's efforts in rescuing the stranded passengers.
Visiting the Fire Brigade headquarters in Byculla, Gagrani commended the team’s readiness, training, and swift response during emergencies, making it a point of pride for Mumbaikars.
He also emphasized the operation's significance in boosting public confidence in the city's emergency response capabilities.
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