Wait for new monorail rakes continues

Mumbai: The country’s first monorail corridor between Chembur and Jacob Circle has become a headache for Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Scomi Engineering, the operator of the monorail, is yet to deliver the remaining five monorail rakes.

The rakes that are yet to be delivered are part of the total 15 that the company is obligated to supply, according to its contract. MMRDA has also decided to levy a penalty of Rs 1 lakh every month per rake for the delay in delivery. 

The MMRDA is already struggling with problems in the existing 10 rakes, of which only four are functional for the phase-1 between Chembur and Wadala. The Asian Age had reported in August 2016 that out of the 10 rolling stocks that were imported from Malaysia while commissioning the first phase of the project from Wadala to Chembur in 2014, only two are fit for service.

Sanjay Khandare, additional metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA, said, “We have sent notices to Scomi Engineering reminding them to fulfil the obligations in the contract. Out of the 10 (rakes) around four are not functional and are being refurbished by Scomi itself. The remaining five rakes are expected soon. The reason they give us for the delay is the financial crisis and the upgradations in technology.” 

Mr Khandare further added, “We have also floated bids for appointing a new operation and maintenance contractor for 10 years. The contractor would be appointed by April 2017. Scomi will operate the monorail only for another two months.” 

A detailed query sent to Scomi Engineering via email, remained unanswered till the time of going to press.