Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 10: The much-awaited Metro Line 2B Phase 1 in Mumbai has moved a step closer to operations with the final safety inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) team beginning today (Thursday, September 10).

Officials said the CMRS team will carry out detailed checks on a 5.4-km elevated stretch between Diamond Garden in Chembur and Mandale in Mankhurd. Passenger operations will begin only after the authority grants the final nod.

Earlier, the CMRS team had conducted an inspection in April this year and issued a checklist of requirements to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the implementing agency. Those conditions have now been fulfilled to seek approval.

Phase 1 Stations

The first phase covers five stations—Diamond Garden, Shivaji Chowk, BSNL Metro, Mankhurd and Mandale. Once operational, the corridor is expected to give a major boost to east–west connectivity in the city.

The first six-coach train, manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML), reached the Mandale depot in November 2023. Eventually, the 23.6-km corridor with 20 stations will link major transport networks including the Western and Eastern Express Highways, suburban rail, Monorail, and other metro lines such as 2A (DN Nagar–Dahisar), 3 (Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ) and 4 (Wadala–Kasarvadavli).

Construction of Line 2B has faced multiple hurdles, from utility shifting and traffic congestion to pandemic-related delays, pushing it beyond its original December 2025 deadline. A metro car shed at Mandale, spread across 31.4 hectares, is also being developed.

When fully operational, the new line is expected to reduce travel time along the route by up to 75%, bringing much-needed relief to daily commuters.