Mumbai monorail strands 200 passengers amid heavy rain

Mumbai: Nearly 200 passengers were stranded for over two hours today after a monorail train broke down amid heavy rain, authorities said, according to Indian media reports.

The train, running on an elevated track between Chembur and Bhakti Park, came to a halt around 6:15 pm due to a minor power supply issue, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) confirmed.

Videos from the scene showed panicked passengers trying to break windows before the fire brigade began rescue operations, NDTV reported.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the public that all passengers would be safely evacuated and said an inquiry into the incident would be conducted. “I request everyone to remain patient. I am in contact with all relevant agencies,” he posted on X.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told NDTV, “Our priority is the safe rescue of all passengers. Medical teams are on-site. I urge passengers not to panic.”

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said its fire brigade rushed to the spot with three snorkel vehicles after passengers contacted the emergency helpline 1916.

The incident comes as Mumbai faces relentless monsoon rains, which have flooded streets, slowed suburban trains, and forced the evacuation of 400–500 people near the Mithi river, which reached danger levels. Fadnavis noted the city received nearly 300 mm of rain in two days, highlighting Mumbai’s recurring monsoon challenges.