In what’s becoming an alarming pattern, Mumbai Monorail has recorded its fifth incident in just three months, raising fresh concerns about safety, maintenance and public trust.

The most recent mishap occurred during a test run near the Wadala depot on Wednesday morning, when one of the coaches reportedly tilted on the track beam, with visible scrape marks underneath. Thankfully, no passengers were onboard; the driver sustained only minor injuries.

What’s troubling is the frequency of such events. To hit five incidents over just three months is a red flag for any mass-transit system, especially a symbolic one like the Mumbai Monorail which was meant to embody modern urban mobility. The recurring problems reportedly with signalling, switching systems and possibly structural issues are triggering questions about whether maintenance protocols are being strictly enforced.

For commuters, and for the agencies responsible, the implications are significant. The monorail may not carry the volumes of other transit systems, but its very purpose is to offer a safe, efficient alternative. Frequent failures erode confidence and could discourage usage, pushing people back to more congested, less safe options.

What should the authorities do? First, an independent audit of system maintenance, signalling and switching infrastructure is overdue. Second, transparent communication: passengers deserve clarity over what went wrong, who will be held accountable, and what improvements are being rolled out. Finally, a clear timetable for enhancements and replacements will help rebuild trust.

In the broader context of urban transport in Mumbai, every accident or near-miss is a signal that perhaps systems built in haste, or operated under cost-pressure, need a rethink. The monorail project, though innovative, must now demonstrate that it’s not just about being iconic, but also reliable.

Until then, each tilt, derailment or glitch isn’t just an isolated event it sends a message to the daily commuter: if the system can’t guarantee safety today, how much faith should one place in it tomorrow?