Train goes off tracks during trial run and briefly brings services to halt, delaying commuters; officials term occurrence a minor technical glitch
Officials examine the halted Metro train between Ovaripada and Dahisar East stations along the Western Express Highway. Pics/Satej Shinde
Was it a derailment? An empty Mumbai Metro train reportedly went off track during a trial run on Wednesday morning, causing a scare along the Metro corridor. The train got stranded while approaching the crossover from the Mira Road side toward the Ovaripada station.
Sources said the train accelerated during the trial run and reportedly derailed around 5 am. While there was no official confirmation, the incident disrupted services, forcing the suspension of regular Metro trains until the afternoon. The trial runs were part of the commissioning of Red Line 9 to Mira Road, an extension of Line 7. This 10.5-km corridor, with eight stations, connects Dahisar to Mira Bhayandar.
Commuters at Dindoshi Metro station complained that the station was closed without prior notice. A social media update stated that trains were running on a short loop between Gundavli and Aarey on Metro Yellow Line 2A and Red Line 7. The announcement added that Yellow Line 2A continued to operate between Andheri West and Dahisar East, with single-line operations between Ovaripada and Aarey.
Commuter Farhan Amrohi said, “I was at Dindoshi Metro station and staff didn’t have any clue about what was happening or when trains would resume. Even security and station staff were in the dark." From videos and photos, some commuters suspected a derailment. “It looks more like a derailment than a technical failure. It’s on a crossover, so the possibility cannot be ruled out,” said Khurshed Lawyer. Another passenger added, “How does this only happen in Mumbai? Never heard of a Metro getting stuck elsewhere in the country.”
Dhaval Shah from the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens’ Association (LOCA) urged authorities to notify passengers in advance. "Any changes in line operations should be informed early, as lakhs of commuters are affected. Alternatively, BEST buses should be deployed to ease the load and avoid massive inconvenience," he said.
Official statement
Maha Mumbai Metro clarified on social media that during the trial run on Metro Line 9, a minor technical issue occurred near the point section at Dahisar East. “The train briefly halted, but loop operations were immediately activated to ensure smooth passenger movement,” the statement read.
Single-line working was implemented between Aarey and Ovaripada in both directions, causing slight delays. A short loop service between Gundavli and Aarey was also operational to maintain connectivity. Services on Lines 2A and 7, including all stations between Andheri West and Dahisar, remained fully operational.
“Our maintenance team was immediately deployed, the issue was resolved promptly, and services are now running smoothly,” the statement added, emphasising Maha Mumbai Metro’s commitment to safe and reliable journeys for commuters.
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