Commuters on Mumbai's monorail experienced another disruption on Thursday morning when a train bound for Sant Gadgebaba Chowk station was held at Acharya Atre Chowk for 12 minutes starting at 9:28 am. Officials from the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) clarified that the stop was intentional, aimed at reducing passenger load after the train exceeded its capacity of 104 metric tons, reaching 107 metric tons. Spokesperson Swati Lokhande emphasized that no technical fault was involved, but some riders hesitated to disembark, prolonging the process.

This event comes just two days after a major breakdown on Tuesday, August 19, where heavy rains compounded overcrowding issues, leading to power failures on two separate monorail trains. The first incident stranded 582 passengers near Mysore Colony station for over two hours, requiring Mumbai Fire Brigade intervention with mechanized ladders for evacuation. Shortly after, a second train halted between Acharya Atre and Wadala stations, affecting around 200 more commuters, bringing the total to nearly 800 rescued amid pouring rain. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) attributed the failures to excessive crowding straining the electrical systems, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to announce an inquiry into the mishaps.

In response, the MMRDA rolled out enhanced safety protocols on Wednesday, including strict passenger load limits, deployment of additional security and technicians on each train, thorough checks of emergency windows, and improved signage for evacuation procedures. Comprehensive inspections of all trains and tracks are also underway to prevent future occurrences.

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Mumbai's monorail, India's pioneering system, spans a 20-kilometer corridor connecting Wadala Depot to Chembur and Jacob Circle, with services operating from 6 am to 10 pm at 15-minute intervals. Launched in phases starting 2014 and fully operational by 2019, it was designed to ease urban congestion but has faced recurring challenges, including a shortage of rakes that affects frequency and reliability. Each train is built to carry up to 562 passengers, but recent surges, especially during monsoons when roads flood, have tested these limits.

Authorities assure that these measures will bolster operations, but commuters remain cautious amid ongoing rainy season pressures. The monorail continues to serve as a vital link in the city's transport network, though experts call for long-term upgrades to handle growing demand.

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