After metro, monorail too will miss September deadline

As if delay in the metro rail’s completion wasn’t enough, now India’s first monorail too will miss the September deadline.

A review meeting was held on Friday to take stock of the monorail project, particularly the first phase.

Authorities are unsure about when they can start the monorail. Clearing the air on the August 23 review meeting, UPS Madan, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA, added that the train was safe and the authorities themselves took a ride between Wadala and Chembur, a stretch of 8.8kms.

“By the end of this month, we will get an idea when the monorail can be commissioned for public use. There is a possibility in October,” said Madan.

According to authorities, a clear picture on the pending clearances from Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (certifying agency) will be through in a fortnight.

“As it is a new system in India, new rules are being framed related to operation and maintenance and a final clearance from the CM should come any day,” said additional metropolitan commissioner Ashwini Bhide.