Commuters on two key Mumbai Metro corridors faced significant disruption and frustration on Sunday night as services were hit by a prolonged technical snag. Operations on Metro Line 2A (Dahisar to DN Nagar) and Line 7 (Dahisar East to Andheri East) were delayed for approximately two hours, leaving numerous passengers stranded and in the lurch during the weekend travel period.
Technical Glitch Causes Major Service Disruption
A spokesperson for the Mumbai Metro confirmed that the delays were due to a temporary technical issue. The problem affected the normal running schedule, forcing trains on both lines to operate with substantial gaps. While the exact nature of the technical fault was not specified in the official statement, it was severe enough to disrupt services during a time when many rely on the Metro for their weekend commutes.
Passenger Ordeal and Delayed Restoration
The impact on passengers was immediate and severe. One affected commuter shared their experience, stating that they exited the station after being informed by Metro officials that no trains would be available for at least half an hour, with no certainty of resumption for another thirty minutes after that. This left many scrambling for alternative, often more expensive, modes of transport.
Sources indicated that the trains were operating on a Sunday timetable, which already implies a reduced frequency compared to weekdays. The technical issue exacerbated these gaps, making the wait times untenable for many. The problem was finally resolved, and normal services were restored only after 9 pm, aligning with the standard weekend schedule.
Questions on Infrastructure Reliability
This incident raises questions about the robustness of the city's rapidly expanding Metro infrastructure, especially on newer lines like 2A and 7. While such technical faults can occur, the two-hour delay on a weekend highlights the need for swift contingency protocols to manage passenger information and provide alternatives. The event serves as a reminder for transit authorities to ensure system resilience to maintain public trust in Mumbai's crucial metro network.
