MUMBAI:
MMRDA will install
smoke detectors under
monorail coaches to ensure timely measures can be taken in case of a fire similar to one on November 9.
Metropolitan commissioner U P S Madan said, “The detectors will trigger an alarm in case of an emergency in the pilot’s cabin. It will help take timely measures to evacuate
passengers.”
Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has also decided to install high-resolution cameras at both ends of platforms to keep a watch for smoke or fire than can emanate from coaches.
Evacuation chutes or a midsection guideway are also being considered by the authorities. Monorail services were suspended since the fire as MMRDA officials did not want to take chances with
safety. The fire was confined to two cabs of the monorail car. The fire shocked the authorities and commuters as the coaches were to billed as fire-resistant.
The fire occurred as the monorail operators could not detect a flat tyre on a coach. The tyre spun, causing friction and the spark came in contact with a lubricant. A flat tyre can be detected with a tyre pressure monitoring system but it was not working.
MMRDA has told monorail operator Scoomi Engineering to rectify the system and replace all tyres before services resume.