Mumbai’s metro network is all set to grow and expand further in 2026, following the inauguration of the Aqua Line in 2025. Several metro corridors across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are expected to become operational this year, strengthening public transport options beyond the suburban railway network.
Authorities plan to inaugurate parts of four metro lines and one extension in 2026, with two launches likely in January.
While metro construction is progressing steadily, large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel and sections of the Eastern Freeway will be completed later.
Metro Line 9 Phase 1: Key Details
One of the most anticipated projects is Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro Line 9, which extends the existing Line 7 beyond Dahisar East into the Mira Bhayandar region.
Key highlights:
Phase 1 includes four stations
Adds approximately 4.5 km of metro corridor
Connects Dahisar East to Kashigaon
Extends the line further ending near the Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium in Bhayandar
Improves metro access for Mira Bhayandar residents
The extension marks the first major metro connectivity for the northern outskirts of Mumbai.
Improved Interchanges and Commuter Benefits
Once operational, commuters from Mira Bhayandar will be able to access:
Line 7, which runs along the Western Express Highway
Line 2A, providing connectivity to DN Nagar
Interchanges with Metro Line 1 and the Aqua Line (Line 3)
This integration is expected to significantly reduce travel time and reliance on road transport.
Safety Inspections Underway
Out of the total 13 stations planned for Line 9, four stations are ready in the first phase, with the route terminating at the Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium in Bhayandar. According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA), inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) began in December.
Final approval is pending, subject to the completion of safety checks and compliance requirements.
The launch of Metro Line 9 Phase 1 is expected to ease congestion, improve last-mile connectivity, and strengthen Mumbai’s growing metro network, particularly in the city’s northern suburbs.
Mumbai Metro Line 2B, planned as a key east–west corridor between DN Nagar and Mankhurd, is currently undergoing safety assessments by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). Five stations along the Mandale–Diamond Garden section in Chembur are nearing readiness for operations.
This 5.3-km eastern segment will link directly with the Harbour railway line at Mankhurd station, improving metro access for commuters in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs. Once fully completed, the 23.6-km Line 2B corridor will run through Bandra, Kurla and Chembur, significantly strengthening east–west connectivity across the city.
Meanwhile, the western portion of Line 2B, which will connect DN Nagar to Saraswat Nagar in Khar, is expected to become operational by mid 2026.
Metro Lines 4 and 4A, which form a crucial link between Mumbai and Thane, are also expected to see phased openings in 2026. Around two-thirds of the total alignment is likely to be operational during the year.
The initial 10.5-km stretch in Thane, running from Cadbury Junction to Gaimukh, is expected to open by March. This section includes Line 4A, a 2.7-km spur connecting Kasarvadavali to Gaimukh.
A subsequent 10-km extension from Gaimukh to Gandhi Nagar in Vikhroli is targeted for completion within the following six months. The entire corridor, which will ultimately extend up to Wadala, is currently scheduled for full completion by 2027.
Mumbai Metro Line 6, a key east–west route along the Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), is progressing steadily and is expected to become fully operational by mid-2026. The 15.3-km corridor will connect Swami Samarth Nagar in Andheri West with Vikhroli, improving cross-city travel.
The line will pass through major residential and commercial areas, with stations planned across Andheri East, Powai and Kanjurmarg. Once operational, Line 6 is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the western and eastern suburbs and ease congestion on key arterial roads.