Speak up Mumbai: What needs be done to get Monorail back on track?

The operations of Monorail are currently in the hands of MMRDA. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority sacked the appointed operators last week for failing to perform well and has taken charge of the affairs, promising to repair non-functional rakes and buy new ones from the international market.

Last Friday, the authority issued a termination notice to the operation and maintenance contractor, Larsen & Toubro and Scomi Engineering (LTSE), citing its failure to fulfil contractual obligations. The process for appointing a new operator is yet to begin.

Currently, only the first phase between Chembur and Wadala is operational. The MMRDA on Friday blamed LTSE for not fulfilling the promise of 15 trains that has delayed the commissioning of second phase of Monorail between Wadala and Jacob Circle. On Saturday, it also said it was contemplating blacklisting Scomi Engineering over failing to deliver as per the agreement.

DNA sounds out citizens on what they think the MMRDA should do to pull the Monorail out of its current mess.

VOICES

It's good MMRDA realised that LTSE spoiled their project and wasted time and money of Mumbaikar. At last there is some realisation in favour of public interest. The breach of deadlines has become an unending saga for Monorail. MMRDA, rather than issuing tenders, should find an immediate alternative for procurement of new rakes and spare parts so the full phase is open for operation.
— Monish Makhija, Chembur resident

The revival of Monorail depends upon its frequency and connectivity. MMRDA should immediately start services up to Jacob Circle. Commuters will only use Monorail if they get better connectivity. Currently, there is no direct connectivity from Lower Parel. In addition, there were incidents like fire that need to be avoided in future. There is also the need to increase train frequency.
— Santosh Bali, Sion

The MMRDA, besides ensuring that the Monorail runs smoothly, has to come up with a proper plan to execute entire project. What I feel is that the route they have selected itself is wrong. If you compare its route to Versova-Ghatkopar Metro Rail route, there are not as many passengers. Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority should expand and connect it in a way that people can use it more. Common people will use when they benefit by using it. Versova-Ghatkopar Metro routes is seeing an increase in passengers and it is also getting revenues which is important for the route to function
— Ravi Nair, Marol

I don't believe that MMRDA has the capability to run Monorail. They have failed to implement the project in a proper way. It was supposed to be a mass transit system but it has, instead, turned into a joyride for the people. Projects like Monorail are a result of inefficient decisions taken by authorities like the MMRDA. In fact, the entire idea of having a monorail is a flawed one
— Rajendra Pradhan, Chembur

After the shutdown of Monorail, the biggest fear that people have is whether it is structurally fit. The authorities should ensure that before they introduce more rakes, they should thoroughly check the line and rakes so that there is no repetition of any untoward incident like the last time
— Madhu Kotian, Mulund

As only this one phase of the line 1 Monorail is operational, the second phase till Jacob Circle should be made operational immediately. MMRDA should also tie up with BEST so that feeder routes from congested localities can be introduced. Monorail needs to be extended from the Chembur-end to a locality like Powai — running through Tilak Nagar, Vidya Vihar, Vikhroli. This will cater to the areas that are not well-connected. Similarly, on the other end, the Monorail needs to be extended from Jacob Circle to Mandvi, running through Byculla, JJ Hospital, Umarkhadi, Dana Bundar and Carnac Bundar.
— Godfrey Pimenta, Andheri

Now that MMRDA has taken over the Monorail's operations, it should ensure that services
do not stop and adequate maintenance is done. Also, the ticket prices should be made reasonable for the citizens, considering its ticket prices are proposed to be hiked from Rs 5 and Rs 11 to Rs 10 and Rs 40.
— Suhail Ansari, Pydhonie

Monorail was at best just a technology demonstrator. No one uses the service because of its poorly thought of routes. It was a major waste of public money. Mostly, just school students, and staff from Bharat and Hindustan Petroleum refineries between Chembur to Mahul or others moving on those routes can be encouraged to use the Monorail instead of buses.
— Jagdeep Desai, Andheri resident

EXPERT SPEAK

MMRDA should set up a dedicated team to start the second phase within the next 4-6 months. This team should be headed by an experienced person (someone who has retired from Railways or MRVC). This team should have extensive interaction with all stakeholders which should include a proper public consultation to get feedback on deficiencies in earlier operations. It seems MMRDA has done some spadework before terminating contract with L&T-Scomi. It is on right track.
— AV Shenoy, member of Mumbai Vikas Samiti

Now that MMRDA is going to run Monorail, it should understand that well-trained personnel, spares, rakes and funds are needed for proper operation. It has to ensure that they get spares for repairing non-functional trains, and also has to ensure that there are no legal issues in getting these spares from the suppliers that were supplying the same to Scomi Engineering. It should also bring back the people who left LTSE, back in the role to the extent possible. Lastly, it should also have at least one technically capable person in their team to understand Monorail better.
— SP Khade, Former Technical Director (Monorail), MMRDA