The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has activated a technology-driven monsoon preparedness plan across the Maha Mumbai Metro network covering Metro Lines 2A, 2B, 7 and 9. The initiative aims to ensure safe, reliable and uninterrupted metro services during the monsoon season through a combination of infrastructure readiness, emergency response measures and advanced technology deployment. 
The preparedness exercise assumes greater significance this year as Metro Lines 2B and 9 are set to undergo their first operational monsoon. In view of this, MMRDA has strengthened safety protocols, operational preparedness, flood mitigation systems and inter-agency coordination across stations, depots, viaducts and other metro facilities. 
As part of the surveillance framework, 64 CCTV cameras have been installed at each of the 39 operational stations, taking the total network strength to 2,496 cameras across the operational corridors. The surveillance system will support round-the-clock monitoring of passenger movement, station premises, platforms, concourses and critical operational areas. 
To tackle waterlogging risks, 30 emergency drainage pumps have been deployed at vulnerable locations across the network. Stormwater drains at stations, depots and viaducts have been cleaned and cleared of silt, vegetation and blockages to ensure smooth rainwater flow. Viaduct cleaning has also been completed across all operational stretches to minimise water accumulation during heavy rainfall. 
The authority has completed preventive maintenance of 1,070 insulators across the metro network. Inspections and maintenance work have also been carried out for 25 KV cables, current transformers, potential transformers, transformer bushings and lightning arresters. In addition, flood protection measures at traction substations have been strengthened to reduce weather-related risks. 
For weather monitoring, wind velocity anemometers have been installed at 14 key stations across the network. These include Dahisar East, Dahanukarwadi, Valnai, Goregaon West and Andheri West on Metro Line 2A; Rashtriya Udyan, Poisar, Aarey, Jogeshwari East and Gundavali on Metro Line 7; and Mankhurd, Shivaji Chowk, Dahisar and Kashigaon on Metro Lines 2B and 9. 
Station-level inspections covering roof seepage, platform drainage systems and potential choke points have also been completed. Corrective measures have been implemented wherever required. Earth resistance measurements, conditioning activities and equipment inspections have additionally been undertaken across earthing stations to improve safety during the monsoon period. 
To maintain operational continuity during emergencies, MMRDA has positioned five standby trains across the network, including three backup trains on the main line and two at depots. Backup systems have also been kept ready to minimise service disruptions arising from power outages or severe weather conditions. 
Passenger communication systems have been strengthened under the updated monsoon standard operating procedures. Information related to heavy rainfall, waterlogging and service updates will be disseminated through digital display boards, station systems and mobile applications. Potential risks such as loose safety nets, flex banners and unsecured materials have been identified and secured, while tree trimming activities have also been carried out in areas that could affect metro operations. 
A dedicated 24x7 Disaster Control Room has been activated and will remain operational until 15 October 2026. The facility will serve as the central coordination hub for emergency response, complaint management and communication with civic authorities, police and state government departments. During orange and red weather alerts, dedicated nodal teams will manage operations, while all rainfall-related incidents will be reported within the prescribed timeline. 
Dedicated metro coaches have also been earmarked to support emergency movement of resources for the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai's disaster management teams whenever required. 
Alongside conventional monsoon measures, MMRDA has expanded the use of artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies across the metro network. A key addition is the AI-enabled Automated Pantograph Condition Monitoring System on Metro Lines 2A and 7. Using high-speed cameras and artificial intelligence, the system monitors train pantographs in real time, enabling early fault detection and predictive maintenance. According to MMRDA, inspection time has been reduced from nearly 30 minutes to a few seconds per train, helping improve fleet availability and operational reliability during adverse weather. 
AI-powered video analytics have also been deployed across stations and operational areas. These systems can identify wrong-direction passenger movement, yellow-line violations before train arrivals, loitering in restricted zones, unattended baggage, unauthorised access to emergency equipment and interference with critical metro infrastructure. 
The authority is also using data analytics and business intelligence tools for passenger flow analysis, demand forecasting, train scheduling support, crowd management, revenue monitoring, fare reconciliation and real-time tracking of operational performance indicators. 
Commenting on the preparedness measures, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that resilient urban mobility remains essential for Mumbai and the wider metropolitan region, particularly during the monsoon season. He noted that the preparedness measures across Metro Lines 2A, 2B, 7 and 9 reflected the government's focus on technology-enabled and commuter-centric infrastructure capable of delivering reliable services in all weather conditions. 
Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde stated that uninterrupted metro operations during the monsoon remained a key priority. He said the deployment of surveillance systems, emergency infrastructure and AI-based monitoring technology would help improve reliability and train availability during periods of heavy rainfall. 
Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA and Chairman of Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited, said the strategy was centred on passenger safety, operational continuity and rapid response. He added that the authority had strengthened preparedness across every operational layer, from surveillance and drainage systems to predictive maintenance and emergency response, particularly as Metro Lines 2B and 9 prepare for their first operational monsoon season. 
Source MMRDA