09 June,2026 03:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/MMRDA
Ahead of the monsoon season, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has activated a comprehensive preparedness plan across the Maha Mumbai Metro network covering Metro Lines 2A, 2B, 7 and 9. The measures are aimed at ensuring safe, reliable and uninterrupted metro operations during periods of heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions.
The preparations assume added significance this year as Metro Lines 2B and 9 will experience their first full monsoon season since becoming operational.
As part of the monsoon action plan, MMRDA has deployed 2,496 CCTV cameras across 39 operational metro stations, with 64 cameras installed at each station. The surveillance network will facilitate round-the-clock monitoring of platforms, concourses, station premises and other critical operational areas.
To tackle waterlogging, 30 emergency pumps have been positioned at vulnerable locations across the network. Authorities have also completed the desilting and cleaning of stormwater drains at stations, depots and viaducts to ensure smooth discharge of rainwater. Viaduct cleaning has been carried out across operational corridors to prevent water accumulation.
MMRDA has undertaken preventive maintenance of 1,070 insulators across the metro network. Inspections and maintenance of 25 KV cables, current transformers, potential transformers, transformer bushings and lightning arresters have also been completed. Additional flood protection measures have been implemented at traction substations.
For real-time weather monitoring, wind velocity anemometers have been installed at 14 strategic stations across Metro Lines 2A, 2B, 7 and 9. Station-level inspections focusing on roof seepage, drainage systems and potential choke points have also been carried out, with corrective measures implemented wherever required.
To minimise service disruptions during emergencies, five standby trains have been kept ready for deployment, including three trains on the main line and two at depots. Backup systems have also been activated to support operations during power outages or extreme weather events.
Passenger communication protocols have been strengthened under the revised monsoon standard operating procedures. Service updates, weather advisories and operational information will be disseminated through digital display boards, station announcement systems and mobile applications.
Authorities have also identified and secured potential hazards such as loose safety nets, banners and unsecured materials. Tree trimming has been undertaken at locations where branches could affect metro operations.
A dedicated Disaster Control Room has been operational since May 25 and will remain active until October 15, 2026. The facility will function round-the-clock as the central coordination hub for emergency response, complaint management and communication with agencies including the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), police and state government departments.
During orange and red weather alerts, specialised nodal teams will be deployed at the control room. Officials said all rainfall-related incidents will be reported within one hour under the prescribed incident reporting protocol.
Dedicated metro coaches have also been earmarked to support emergency resource transportation for disaster management teams during critical situations.
In addition to conventional preparedness measures, MMRDA has expanded the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics across metro operations.
A key component is the AI-enabled Automated Pantograph Condition Monitoring System deployed on Metro Lines 2A and 7. The system uses high-speed cameras and AI algorithms to inspect train pantographs in real time, enabling early fault detection and predictive maintenance. According to officials, inspection time has been reduced from approximately 30 minutes to a matter of seconds, helping improve fleet availability and operational reliability during the monsoon.
AI-powered video analytics systems have also been deployed across stations and depots. These systems can identify wrong-direction passenger movement, yellow-line violations, loitering in restricted areas, unattended baggage, unauthorised access to emergency equipment and tampering with critical infrastructure.
In addition, data analytics and business intelligence tools are being used for passenger flow assessment, demand forecasting, train scheduling, crowd management, revenue monitoring and real-time operational performance tracking.
Senior MMRDA officials said the monsoon preparedness strategy combines infrastructure maintenance, emergency planning and advanced technology to minimise disruptions and ensure commuter safety. With Metro Lines 2B and 9 entering their first monsoon season, authorities have intensified monitoring and operational readiness across the network to maintain reliable services throughout the rainy months.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis said, "Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region are the economic growth engines of Maharashtra, and resilient urban mobility is essential to keep this region moving in every season. The monsoon tests the strength of city infrastructure, and our focus is to ensure that public transport remains safe, efficient and dependable for citizens. MMRDA's preparedness across Metro Lines 2A, 2B, 7 and 9 reflects this commitment to future-ready, technology-enabled and commuter-centric infrastructure. Through AI-enabled systems, 24x7 surveillance, flood mitigation measures and coordinated emergency response, we are strengthening Mumbai's metro network to deliver reliable services, rain or shine."
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman, MMRDA, Eknath Shinde said, "Ensuring safe and uninterrupted metro services during the monsoon is a key priority for the Government of Maharashtra and MMRDA. Across Metro Lines 2A, 2B, 7 and 9, preparedness measures including CCTV surveillance, emergency response systems, control rooms and waterlogging mitigation have been activated for commuter safety. With AI-based Automated Pantograph Condition Monitoring, technical faults can now be detected within seconds, improving reliability and train availability during heavy rainfall."
Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner MMRDA and Chairman MMMOCL, said, "MMRDA's monsoon strategy for the Maha Mumbai Metro network is built on three clear priorities - passenger safety, operational continuity and rapid response. This year, the preparedness assumes greater importance as Metro Lines 2B and 9 will be facing their first operational monsoon. We have therefore strengthened every layer of readiness, from 24x7 surveillance and drainage systems to emergency pumps, standby trains, wind monitoring, station inspections and AI-enabled predictive maintenance. The integration of technology, data analytics and on-ground engineering allows us to detect risks early, respond faster and minimise disruption. Our focus is to ensure that the vision of âMumbai in Minutes' continues to move safely and seamlessly, rain or shine."
