On 19th August, 2025, Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, announced on Twitter that, because of some technical issues, a monorail between Chembur and Bhakti Park got stuck near Mysore Colony Station in Mumbai.
The CM urged and reassured people not to panic or worry as MMRDA, the fire Brigade, has already started their rescue operations, prioritizing the safety of the passengers.
Keeping in mind the technical issue that created the problem, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde also highlighted a few other reasons that led to the unfortunate turn of events,
“Due to the closure of Harbour Line, several passengers started travelling on the Monorail. This led to overcrowding in the train, and a power breakdown occurred. Due to the power breakdown, emergency brakes were applied, and the train stopped.”
According to another video posted by ANI on their X, a statement made by the Deputy Commissioner of the Eastern Region, Mahesh Patil, that the information on the monorail incident reached them around 6:30 pm after which, through the dedicated efforts of the Fire Brigade and the BMC, more than 585 passengers were safely rescued, there have been no news on information any casualties or injuries but some passengers were hospitalised because of suffocation and high blood pressure, else the whole rescue operation was a big success.
BMC explained and updated the procedure of the rescue operations, which were overseen by Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), Dr. (Mrs.) Ashwini Joshi and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Amit Saini, and their prompt response and team coordination have been highly praiseworthy.
According to their statement, the passengers were rescued with the help of ‘Snorkels’/ ladder vehicles. A medical team was deployed on-site to provide emergency aid, while buses were arranged to facilitate transportation. Most importantly, the entire rescue operation was carried out swiftly and efficiently.
The fire brigade officers engaged in the operations were honored for their swift actions and bravery, which they showed to save the lives of the passengers, and were personally praised and commended for their efforts by the Municipal Commissioner.
Administrator Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, in his own words, praised the Mumbai Fire Brigade, “In any crisis or emergency, the Mumbai Fire Brigade stands firm. Their dedication and commitment to always be ready to ensure the safety of Mumbaikars, even at the risk of their own lives, is a matter of pride for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation”.
Lastly, heavy and relentless rain continues to batter Mumbai, making daily commutes and transit increasingly difficult. Water-logging in various areas, including railways, roads, has led to severe traffic congestion and jams; additionally, health risks have also increased, affecting the lives of many.
