Mumbai is set to begin operations of two metro train line sections by the end of this month. The sections include a stretch of line 9, between Dahisar East and Kashigaon, and a part of line 2B, between Diamond Garden and Mandale.
The first phase of both lines will open by December 31. As per sources, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is expected to approve line 9 soon. The timing considers the model code of conduct for the upcoming local body elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate both lines.
Metro Line 9 is a 13.58 km elevated corridor. It connects Dahisar East with Mira-Bhayandar and is an extension of line 7. The first phase from Dahisar to Kashigaon is expected to open in the last week of December. Since its announcement in 2016, the project has faced delays due to land issues and public opposition to depot locations.
Line 2B runs from DN Nagar to Mandale in Mankhurd and is still under construction. Trial runs have started on the first phase, covering 5.3 km between Mandale and Diamond Garden in Chembur. MMRDA plans to open the second section from DN Nagar to Saraswat Nagar in Khar by next summer. When complete, line 2B will have 20 stations over 23.6 km and provide a second key east-west metro connection.
In another major decision, MMRDA cancelled the plan to build a Metro-9 vehicle shed at Dongri in Mira-Bhayandar. The project faced opposition due to concerns over cutting and transplanting more than 11,000 trees. Maharashtra Transport Minister and Mira-Bhayandar MLA Pratap Sarnaik announced that the vehicle shed will be replaced with an elevated parking space.
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