Maharashtra CM Inaugurates Mumbai Metro Lines 9 and 2B, Expanding Network to Six Corridors.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently inaugurated the first phases of Mumbai Metro Lines 9 and 2B, marking a major expansion of the city’s rapid transit network to six operational corridors. Line 9 runs from Dahisar East to Kashigaon, while Line 2B connects Mandale to Chembur. Regular services on both lines are set to begin Wednesday.

Fadnavis, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, flagged off a train on the 5.6-km first phase of Line 9, which features four stations—Dahisar East, Pandurangwadi, Miragaon, and Kashigaon—and links northern Mumbai suburbs with Mira Bhayandar in Thane district. The second phase, spanning 4.3 km with four additional stations, is nearly complete and expected to open later this year.

Highlighting the city’s transit integration plans, Fadnavis said the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is being developed with seamless connectivity across metro lines, e-buses, and water transport, aiming to make it one of the most accessible cities in India. With the latest additions, Mumbai now has more than 100 km of operational metro lines, second only to Delhi.

The inauguration of Line 2B’s 5.53-km first phase from Mandale to Chembur includes five elevated stations and will connect with the Central Railway’s Harbour Line at Mankhurd. Phase I will operate from 6 am to 10:30 pm with a frequency of around nine-and-a-half minutes and 209 daily services. Its Mandale depot will be India’s largest elevated metro depot, capable of housing 72 trains.

Both lines feature environmentally friendly designs, including rainwater harvesting, LED lighting, solar panels, and regenerative braking. Phase I stations on Line 2B have received IGBC Green Platinum ratings and include modern, Divyang-friendly facilities.

The new operational framework also allows integration between Lines 7 and 9, enabling direct connectivity from Andheri East to Mira-Bhayandar, with interchange facilities at Dahisar station. Lines 2A and 7 will now operate as independent corridors, with revised schedules improving network frequency and commuter convenience.

Fadnavis noted that Metro Line 9 will drastically reduce travel times from Mira-Bhayandar to Colaba, currently taking one to two hours, to approximately 30 minutes. The project, built at a cost of ₹6,607 crore, will eventually link with Metro Lines 7A and 3 for comprehensive citywide coverage.

The Chief Minister also addressed concerns over a partially constructed bridge in Mira-Bhayandar, assuring that it will be safe and fully functional once completed. He further highlighted the success of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), with 80% of passengers opting for cashless ticketing.