October 28, 2025: Mumbai’s urban commute is set for a massive transformation as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) accelerates work on its 300+ km metro network. Out of the total 374 km of corridors planned, a majority are expected to be at least partly operational by 2027, bringing faster, cleaner, and more efficient connectivity across the city and its suburbs.
Under construction are several key corridors — Metro Line 2B (DN Nagar–Mandale) spanning 23.6 km with 20 stations; Line 4 and 4A (Wadala–Gaimukh) covering 35.2 km; Line 5 (Thane–Bhiwandi–Kalyan) stretching 24.9 km; and Line 6 (Swami Samarth Nagar–Vikhroli) measuring 15.3 km. Smaller connecting routes, including Lines 7A, 9, and 12, are also progressing simultaneously to improve interlinkages between existing and upcoming lines.
By 2030, Mumbai will see an expansive network extending across the North, East, and Western suburbs — seamlessly connecting with suburban rail, bus networks, and the upcoming airport terminals. Line 2B is targeted for full operation by 2026, while Lines 4/4A are expected to be ready in phases between 2025 and 2026. Line 5 may see partial operation by 2026, and Line 6 is likely to begin functioning by late 2026. The Dahisar–Mira Bhayandar (Line 9) corridor will open phase-wise from 2025, while longer-term projects like Lines 10, 12, and 14 could see partial completion by 2030.
For commuters, this expansion will dramatically reduce travel times across key business and residential hubs while cutting dependence on road transport. Areas such as Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, and Mira-Bhayandar will gain direct metro connectivity for the first time.
Once fully operational by 2031, MMRDA projects the network will carry nearly 60 lakh (6 million) daily passengers — reshaping how Mumbai moves.
Source: News 18
