30 emergency pumps, 24×7 disaster control room, standby trains and predictive maintenance systems activated to ensure uninterrupted services during heavy rainfall
Mumbai: As Mumbai prepares for the monsoon season, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has rolled out a comprehensive technology-driven preparedness plan across Metro Lines 2A, 2B, 7 and 9, combining artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance and extensive on-ground engineering measures to ensure uninterrupted passenger services during heavy rainfall.
The preparedness initiative assumes added significance this year as Metro Lines 2B and 9 will face their first operational monsoon season since opening to commuters.
According to MMRDA, the monsoon readiness programme covers passenger safety, flood mitigation, infrastructure protection, emergency response and inter-agency coordination across metro stations, depots, viaducts and operational systems.
A network of 2,496 CCTV cameras has been activated across 39 operational metro stations, enabling round-the-clock monitoring of passenger movement, platforms, concourses and critical operational areas.
To minimise waterlogging risks, 30 emergency pumps have been deployed at vulnerable locations. Storm-water drains across stations, depots and viaducts have been cleaned and cleared of silt and obstructions, while viaduct maintenance works have been completed to ensure smooth rainwater discharge during periods of intense rainfall.
MMRDA has also undertaken preventive maintenance of 1,070 insulators and inspected critical electrical infrastructure, including 25 KV cables, transformers, current transformers, potential transformers and lightning arresters. Flood-protection measures at traction substations have been strengthened as part of the preparedness exercise.
For real-time weather monitoring, wind velocity anemometers have been installed at 14 strategic stations across the network, allowing operators to monitor changing weather conditions and respond quickly during high-wind events.
At the operational level, five standby metro trains have been positioned across the network to support service continuity during emergencies. Three trains will remain available on operational corridors, while two will be stationed at depots for rapid deployment when required.
Passenger communication systems have also been upgraded under a revised monsoon Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Service updates, rainfall advisories and operational alerts will be disseminated through station display systems, mobile applications and public announcement networks.
A dedicated 24×7 Disaster Control Room has been activated from May 25 to October 15, 2026, serving as the central hub for emergency coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), police and state government agencies. Special nodal teams will remain deployed during Orange and Red weather alerts.
One of the most significant elements of the preparedness programme is the deployment of an AI-enabled Automated Pantograph Condition Monitoring System on Metro Lines 2A and 7.
The system uses high-speed cameras and artificial intelligence to inspect train pantographs in real time, enabling early fault detection and predictive maintenance. According to MMRDA, inspections that previously required nearly 30 minutes can now be completed in a matter of seconds, improving fleet availability, reliability and passenger safety during adverse weather conditions.
The authority has also introduced AI-powered video analytics across stations and depots. The technology can automatically detect safety risks such as passengers crossing safety lines before train arrivals, unauthorised access to restricted zones, unattended baggage and potential interference with critical metro equipment.
Advanced data analytics and business intelligence tools are additionally being used to analyse passenger flow, forecast demand, support train scheduling, manage crowd movement and monitor operational performance through real-time dashboards.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the initiative reflected Maharashtra’s commitment to future-ready and commuter-centric infrastructure.
“Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region are the economic growth engines of Maharashtra. The monsoon tests the strength of city infrastructure, and our focus is to ensure that public transport remains safe, efficient and dependable for citizens,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde said uninterrupted metro services during the monsoon remained a key priority for the state government.
“With AI-based Automated Pantograph Condition Monitoring, technical faults can now be detected within seconds, improving reliability and train availability during heavy rainfall,” Shinde said.
Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, said the authority’s monsoon strategy was built around three priorities: passenger safety, operational continuity and rapid response.
“Our focus is to ensure that the vision of ‘Mumbai in Minutes’ continues to move safely and seamlessly, rain or shine,” he said.
