Mumbai Metro Expansion: New Routes In Thane, Chembur & Mira Road Near Completion

The metro network in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is slowly expanding, with four new lines set to be partially opened this year, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. These include Metro Lines 2B, 4, 4A, and 9, covering Mumbai's eastern suburbs, Thane, and Mira Road. Additionally, the second phase of Metro Line 3, running from the Bandra Kurla Complex to Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli, is expected to open in March.

Officials from the Maharashtra government have stated that 19 metro stations across these four new lines, spanning a total of 20.3 km, are almost ready. The longest route to be opened is in Thane, which is part of the city's first metro line. Once Metro Lines 4 and 4A become operational, passengers will be able to travel from Cadbury Junction to Gaimukh, covering ten stations.

Photo Credit: PTI

In Mumbai's eastern suburbs, the first phase of Metro Line 2B will operate from Mandale in Mankhurd to Diamond Garden in Chembur. This stretch is 5.3 km long and includes five stations. When fully completed, this line will extend to DN Nagar in Andheri West, connecting to Metro Line 2A, which already runs from DN Nagar to Dahisar. Line 2B will also link to the Central Railway's suburban network at Kurla and to Metro Line 8, which will connect Mumbai's airport to Navi Mumbai's airport.

Metro Line 9, which aims to connect Mira Road and Bhayandar, will also be partially operational this year. A 4.5 km section from Dahisar to Kashigaon, including four stations, is nearing completion. This line is an extension of the existing Metro Line 7, which runs from Gundavali to Dahisar. In the future, Metro Line 9 will also connect to Metro Line 10, which will run from Gaimukh to Shivaji Chowk at Mira Road.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has been instructed by the state government to speed up construction work for these metro corridors. However, none of these corridors will have their car depots ready when operations begin.

"To manage train operations on Metro Lines 4 and 4A, inspection pits have been set up beyond Gaimukh station since depot land is not yet available," a senior state official explained in the HT report. "Authorities have been directed to make the most of existing infrastructure, including viaducts and stations until the depots are completed."

Transport experts have welcomed these developments, saying that innovative solutions are necessary for a city like Mumbai. One expert stated that while these metro corridors will mainly serve local commuters, Metro Line 3 will function as the main trunk route. Once all corridors are fully operational, they are expected to significantly improve the city's transport system.

Asper the same report, AV Shenoy, a member of the Mumbai Mobility Forum, said that the partial opening of these lines will boost public transport. However, he stressed the need to keep fares affordable and improve last-mile connectivity to ensure convenience for commuters.