Mumbai Metro Line 9 Trial Runs Begin, Linking City with Mira-Bhayandar.

Trial runs are set to commence on Phase I of Mumbai Metro Line 9, marking a significant milestone in expanding the city's rapid transit network. The elevated stretch between Dahisar East and Kashigaon in Mira-Bhayandar is now energised for traction power, paving the way for testing on the corridor that will link Mumbai with the fast-growing Mira-Bhayandar region.

Metro Line 9, an 11.4-kilometre extension of the operational Metro Line 7, is designed to be a crucial north-western suburban corridor. It connects Dahisar (East) to Mira Bhayander, passing through densely populated areas including Kashigaon and Mira Road.

Once fully functional, the line is expected to provide substantial relief by alleviating vehicular congestion on the Western Express Highway (WEH) and reducing overcrowding on Western Railway's suburban trains, particularly benefiting the large number of daily commuters from the Mira-Bhayandar belt.

"We are one step closer to operationalising a critical link in Mumbai's expanding Metro network," stated a senior official from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the implementing agency.

Line 9 is designed to serve as a feeder corridor to the operational Line 7 (Dahisar East to Gundavali/Andheri East). It will also offer seamless connectivity for passengers heading towards the domestic airport via the upcoming Line 7A and further onwards to South Mumbai through the upcoming Line 3A. Key interchanges at Dahisar East (with Line 7) and at Gundavali (with Line 1 and Line 2A) will create a networked transport experience, offering commuters faster travel options and reducing reliance on road-based transport.

According to MMRDA estimates, the line is expected to cut current travel times by 50-75% depending on road conditions. Urban transport experts believe that the commissioning of Line 9 will help decongest major arterial roads like the WEH and ease the load on local trains, particularly during peak hours. "The daily struggle for space in Virar-bound locals could ease marginally once commuters from Mira-Bhayandar have a reliable Metro option," remarked a senior planner from MMRDA.

Following the successful completion of trial runs and receiving necessary clearances from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS), commercial operations on Metro Line 9 are anticipated to begin before the end of the year.