The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed all agencies operating Metro and Monorail services in Mumbai to submit their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and comprehensive disaster management plans. The directive came during a joint review meeting held by the District Disaster Management Authorities of Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban districts on Wednesday. The meeting, led by Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin Sharma, focused on strengthening emergency preparedness for the city’s expanding mass transit systems.

This renewed emphasis on safety follows the Monorail breakdown near Bhakti Park in Chembur on August 19, which left dozens of commuters stranded for hours due to a technical malfunction. The incident exposed critical gaps in response coordination and passenger safety measures, prompting the civic administration to reevaluate existing contingency plans for elevated and underground transit corridors.

Dr Sharma urged all operating agencies—including those running Metro lines and the Monorail network—to cross-share their emergency protocols for better interoperability during crises. He emphasized that rapid response teams, trained staff, and communication channels must function seamlessly to minimize disruption and ensure swift evacuation when technical or natural emergencies occur.

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Mumbai City’s Additional Municipal Commissioner and District Disaster Management Authority chairperson, Dr Ashwini Joshi, also underscored the importance of conducting regular mock drills. These simulated exercises, she noted, help identify operational weaknesses and enhance coordination among the various civic and transport departments tasked with managing emergencies in densely populated areas.

The BMC plans to review the submitted SOPs before finalizing a unified disaster mitigation framework for Mumbai’s transit systems. Experts believe this integrated approach could serve as a model for other urban centers with complex public transport networks, helping ensure passenger safety during unforeseen incidents.

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