A New Era of Transit: CM Fadnavis Flags Off Metro Lines 9 & 2B

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the first phases of Mumbai Metro Lines 9 and 2B, marking a significant expansion of the city’s rapid transit network, which now spans six operational corridors. Line 9 runs between Dahisar East and Kashigaon, while Line 2B connects Mandale to Chembur. Passenger services on both lines are scheduled to begin बुधवार.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other senior officials, Fadnavis flagged off a train on the 5.6-km initial stretch of Line 9. This phase includes four stations—Dahisar East, Pandurangwadi, Miragaon, and Kashigaon—and strengthens connectivity between Mumbai’s northern suburbs and the Mira-Bhayandar region in Thane district. The second phase, covering an additional 4.3 km with four more stations, is nearing completion and is expected to open later this year.

Emphasizing integrated urban mobility, Fadnavis stated that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is being developed with seamless links across metro lines, electric buses, and water transport systems, aiming to make it one of India’s most accessible urban regions. With the addition of these lines, Mumbai’s operational metro network now exceeds 100 km, making it the second-largest in the country after Delhi.

The 5.53-km first phase of Line 2B between Mandale and Chembur includes five elevated stations and provides interchange with the Harbour Line at Mankhurd. Services will run from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm at intervals of approximately nine and a half minutes, with 209 daily trips. The Mandale depot, designed to accommodate up to 72 trains, will be the largest elevated metro depot in India.

Both metro lines incorporate environmentally sustainable features such as rainwater harvesting, solar energy systems, LED lighting, and regenerative braking. Stations on Line 2B’s first phase have been awarded IGBC Green Platinum ratings and are equipped with modern, accessibility-friendly infrastructure.

The updated network framework also enables integration between Lines 7 and 9, allowing direct travel from Andheri East to Mira-Bhayandar via an interchange at Dahisar. Meanwhile, Lines 2A and 7 will operate independently, with revised schedules aimed at improving service frequency and commuter convenience.

Fadnavis highlighted that Line 9 will significantly cut travel time between Mira-Bhayandar and Colaba—from the current one to two hours down to around 30 minutes. Built at a cost of ₹6,607 crore, the project will eventually connect with additional metro lines to provide broader citywide coverage.

Addressing local concerns, the Chief Minister assured that an under-construction bridge in Mira-Bhayandar will be safe and fully operational upon completion. He also noted the growing adoption of the National Common Mobility Card, with around 80% of commuters opting for cashless travel.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.