Monorail rescue: 13 fire brigade personnel receive President's Medal
Thirteen personnel of the Mumbai Fire Brigade have been awarded the President’s Medal for Gallantry for their brave role in rescuing 582 passengers stranded aboard a stalled Monorail in August 2025, officials said.
The gallantry medals were announced on the occasion of Independence Day in recognition of the personnel’s courage, exceptional performance and devotion to duty.
A Mumbai Monorail train broke down near Mysore Colony Station in Chembur on August 19, 2025, leaving 582 passengers stranded inside the train.
The train had stopped at a height of around 40 to 50 feet above the ground, creating a challenging and dangerous situation for both the passengers and rescue teams.
The situation became distressing as passengers struggled with the lack of ventilation and rising discomfort inside the stationary rake. Some passengers had fainted, while others banged on the windows and called for help until the rescue operation were launched.
Firefighters risked their lives
Mumbai Fire Brigade personnel had launched a massive rescue operation to evacuate the stranded passengers.
The firefighters worked in difficult conditions and risked their own lives to reach the passengers and bring them to safety. All 582 passengers were successfully evacuated.
The Fire Brigade said the personnel showed exceptional courage and dedication during the operation.
Personnel from five fire stations honoured
The 13 fire brigade personnel selected for the President’s Medal for Gallantry are from Vikhroli, Dadar, Fort, Chembur and Wadala fire stations.
| Name | Fire Station |
|---|---|
| R. N. Ambulgekar | Vikhroli Fire Station |
| A. V. Parab | Dadar Fire Station |
| M. V. Sawant | Dadar Fire Station |
| I. K. Kamble | Fort Fire Station |
| Y. H. Pawar | Chembur Fire Station |
| D. A. Bhosale | Wadala Fire Station |
| Rajesh Vishnu Rane | Chembur Fire Station |
| Mahesh Anand Gudalkar | Fort Fire Station |
| Ramesh Jivan Koli | Wadala Fire Station |
| Harshal Shankar Katke | Wadala Fire Station |
| Chintamani Shivaji Khandekar | Fort Fire Station |
| Vicky Nagesh Sarvade | Fort Fire Station |
| Sudarshan Ghanshyam Pawade | Chembur Fire Station |
Recognition for courage and service
The medal recognises the firefighters’ bravery during one of Mumbai’s most challenging rescue operations.
Their efforts helped ensure that hundreds of passengers trapped high above the ground were brought to safety. The honour also highlights the risks taken by emergency personnel while responding to major incidents.
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