Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 15: The city’s ambitious metro expansion plans have suffered another setback, with only a limited stretch of Metro Line 9 expected to be inaugurated on Republic Day, instead of multiple corridor launches, reports Hindustan Times.

Over the past three months, officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and local legislators had indicated that two new metro lines would be operational ahead of the upcoming civic elections. The original plan envisaged sections of Metro Line 2B (Mandale to Diamond Garden) and Metro Line 9 (Dahisar East to Kashigaon) being inaugurated by December 25, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to flag off the corridors. However, the timeline has now been pushed back.

According to MMRDA officials, while Metro Line 2B still requires at least another month before public use, a small section of Metro Line 9 has a chance of opening on January 26. This stretch covers approximately 4.4 km and includes four stations: Dahisar East, Pandurangwadi, Miragaon, and Kashigaon.

In December, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) conducted inspections of the new corridors and issued a list of final compliance requirements. An MMRDA official confirmed that these requirements have been addressed and updates submitted to the CMRS, with formal safety clearance expected within the coming week. Once approved, the state government is likely to proceed with the Republic Day inauguration.

Alongside the metro launch, state authorities and Central Railway are also planning to reintroduce air-conditioned local train services on the Harbour line between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Panvel.

Metro Line 9 is planned to eventually extend 13.5 km northwards from Dahisar East. Once fully operational, together with Metro Line 7A, it will provide seamless connectivity from Mira-Bhayander to Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, enhancing travel options across the city.