The district disaster management authorities for Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban districts have directed agencies operating the city’s Monorail and Metro networks to submit detailed emergency management plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to strengthen disaster preparedness across public transport systems.

According to a statement from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the directive was issued during a joint review meeting chaired by Dr Vipin Sharma, Additional Municipal Commissioner and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).

Dr Sharma called upon all agencies responsible for elevated and underground Metro and Monorail operations to share comprehensive protocols for managing emergencies, ensuring safety, and coordinating rapid response in crisis situations.

The meeting followed the Monorail breakdown near Bhakti Park in Chembur on 19 August, which stranded passengers for several hours due to a technical failure. The incident highlighted gaps in emergency response and passenger evacuation procedures, prompting the disaster management bodies to seek stricter compliance from operators.

Dr Ashwini Joshi, Chairperson of the Mumbai City DDMA and Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), emphasised the need for regular mock drills and response simulations at all major transport facilities. These exercises, she said, would help assess on-ground readiness and ensure that agencies are fully prepared to manage emergencies efficiently.

The review meeting concluded with instructions for all transport operators to update and standardise their safety plans, enhance inter-agency coordination, and strengthen their real-time communication systems to protect commuters during unforeseen incidents.