Mumbai Monorail: MMRDA Initiates Search For Private Agency To Handle Operation For Next Five Years, Here's All About It

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which oversees the Mumbai Monorail, has initiated a search for a private agency to handle its operation and maintenance for a duration of five years.

The call for bids is open to expert agencies, including global firms, with the announcement being made on Wednesday (13 March).

The deadline for bid submissions is set for 16 May, as per a report by The Indian Express.

Covering a 19.5-kilometre route from Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk to Chembur, the Mumbai Monorail offers tickets priced between Rs 10 to Rs 40, depending on the distance traveled.

Presently, the monorail operates with eight rakes, running at intervals of 18 minutes and completing 118 trips between the endpoints.

Due to significant losses amounting to Rs 524 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24, the MMRDA merged the Monorail Project Implementation Unit with the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation in January.

This merger aims to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency. In relation to the decision to involve a private agency, officials have mentioned that they are evaluating various proposals.

In response to low ridership, MMRDA intends to expand its fleet by incorporating 10 additional rakes to offer improved services. However, the delivery of the first prototype of the new rake, expected by December last year, is still pending.

Additionally, the plan to construct a travellator at Jacob Circle for connectivity with the upcoming Metro Line 3 and suburban railway stations, collectively known as Mahalaxmi, is currently on hold.

According to the same report, integration plan will be contingent upon the feedback received from agencies regarding operation and maintenance.

Previously, the Monorail was operated and maintained by a Malaysian-based company, SCOMI Engineering. In 2019, MMRDA assumed control of the monorail after the company failed to meet contractual obligations.