In which Indian city was the country's first monorail system inaugurated?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about modern urban transport in India. While many large cities have built metro rail networks, monorail systems are less common. A monorail typically uses a single rail track and elevated structures to carry lighter trains through congested urban areas. India's first operational monorail project attracted considerable media attention at the time of its inauguration. Examinations often ask in which city this first monorail system was launched.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the city where India's first monorail was inaugurated.
• Options include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore.
• We assume that the term monorail refers to the elevated guided system that runs on a single beam structure.
• The candidate is expected to know basic facts about major Indian urban transport projects.

Concept / Approach:
India's first monorail system was introduced in Mumbai. The Mumbai monorail project was designed to supplement other modes of transport, such as suburban trains and buses, in one of the most densely populated cities in the country. Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore implemented metro rail projects earlier or in parallel but did not pioneer monorail as a mode. Therefore, the approach is to connect the introduction of monorail technology with Mumbai rather than the other metropolitan cities listed.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall which Indian city is often associated with the country's first monorail project.Step 2: Remember that the Mumbai monorail began operations as a showcase urban transport system.Step 3: Observe that Delhi and Kolkata are primarily known for their metro systems rather than monorail.Step 4: Note that Bangalore has an expanding metro network but no pioneering monorail project.Step 5: Select Mumbai as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, one can recall news reports and images of the colourful elevated monorail trains running through parts of Mumbai at the time of their launch. Many general knowledge books and current affairs capsules mention Mumbai monorail as India's first monorail. They often contrast it with metro developments in other cities. This consistent association of monorail with Mumbai confirms that it is the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Delhi is famous for the Delhi Metro, one of the largest and most successful metro networks in India, but it did not pioneer monorail. Kolkata has the country's oldest metro system and also introduced a tram system historically, yet not a first monorail. Bangalore is known for its information technology industry and Namma Metro but not for a monorail launch. As a result, these cities do not satisfy the specific condition of hosting the first monorail system.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse metro rail and monorail because both are elevated or rail based and serve urban transport. This can lead them to choose Delhi or Kolkata based on their famous metro networks. Reading the term monorail carefully and recalling media coverage about Mumbai monorail will help avoid this error. Differentiating between modes of transport and memorising which city pioneered each one is a useful exam strategy.

Final Answer:
India's first monorail system was inaugurated in the city of Mumbai.