Mumbai, Feb 20 (NationPress) The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is set to recommence Monorail operations in both directions between Chembur and Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk following the acquisition of essential safety certification.

The services were halted on September 20 last year for comprehensive system enhancements and future-ready functionalities.

This planned downtime aimed to facilitate a more rapid integration of new Rolling Stock, advanced Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling improvements, and refurbishment of the existing fleet, thereby ensuring safer, smoother, and more dependable operations for Mumbaikars.

The MMRDA shared an update on X, stating, “Mumbai, your wait is nearly over. A brand-new, safer, smarter, and smoother Monorail service will soon be available. We’re excited to announce that the Monorail has received the necessary safety certification for its new rolling stock and CBTC-based signaling system from the Independent Safety Assessor, Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification. This is a significant milestone that brings us closer to making the upgraded Monorail accessible for public use.”

The MMRDA added that the next phase involves appointing a retired Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety to conduct a thorough inspection of the entire 19.54 km Monorail corridor and to provide the final statutory clearance necessary for resuming passenger services.

This process is anticipated to conclude shortly, after which the newly enhanced Monorail will resume operations for the people of Mumbai.

The MMRDA emphasized that the ISA certification was achieved following successful completion of multiple critical milestones, including an extensive inspection of the new rolling stock at the manufacturing site, rigorous testing along various sections of the Monorail corridor over two months to evaluate operational readiness, thorough static and dynamic testing to ensure total compliance with design specifications and the highest safety standards, completion of oscillation trials, and installation and interface-level testing of the advanced CBTC-based signaling system.

Additionally, the new 'Made In India' Monorail rakes include 21 modern upgrades, such as CCTV cameras inside every train, seats designed for Divyang individuals, mobile and laptop charging points, dynamic route maps, enhanced suspension for smoother journeys, fire-safety compliant designs, contemporary metro-style interiors, and real-time monitoring and surveillance systems.

“We are dedicated to providing a safer, smarter, and more reliable Monorail service to the residents of Mumbai very soon,” stated MMRDA.