The Kashigaon-Dahisar metro line, a key part of Mumbai’s expansive metro development plan, has entered its final testing phase. On Wednesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, inaugurated the trial run and technical inspection of Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro Route-9.
Once operational, this metro line is expected to significantly reduce congestion on the heavily trafficked Western Express Highway, offering commuters a faster and more reliable alternative to road travel. It will particularly benefit those travelling from Mira Road, Bhayander, and surrounding areas, helping to ease the daily rush during peak hours.
Addressing the occasion, Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed confidence in the project’s progress, stating, “No one can slow us down. If the opposition wants to support us, that’s a different matter — but they cannot block us.” He emphasised that the metro is the best mode of transport for the city, with the aim of enhancing connectivity across Mumbai, especially along the Western Express Highway corridor between NS Bose Maidan and Bandra.
A notable feature of the project is the construction of a double-decker bridge, the first of its kind in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which will help ease traffic in busy localities such as Mira-Bhayandar.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister announced plans to extend the metro line up to Virar, improving integration among various metro routes for smoother travel across the city. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) was lauded for its efficient project management, with commitments to complete 50 km of metro work this year and 62 km next year. The entire metro network, which began in 2015, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Additionally, a bullet train station is planned near Vadhvan in Palghar, with efforts underway to link it to the wider transport network.
Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, were present at the event.
Source: The Free Press Journal.
