January 15, 2026: Mumbai’s metro expansion programme has encountered another setback, with authorities now indicating that only a short section of Metro Line 9 may open on Republic Day, rather than multiple planned corridor launches. The update was reported by Hindustan Times, citing delays linked to pending safety clearances.
Over the last three months, officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and several local representatives had suggested that two new metro corridors would be commissioned ahead of the upcoming civic elections. However, those timelines have not been met.
Initial plans had targeted the inauguration of portions of Metro Line 2B, connecting Mandale to Diamond Garden, and Metro Line 9, running from Dahisar East to Kashigaon, by December 25. The event was expected to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. That schedule has since been revised due to operational and regulatory requirements.
Officials have now clarified that Metro Line 2B will take at least another month before it can be opened to the public. In contrast, a limited stretch of Metro Line 9 is being considered for launch on January 26, subject to final approvals.
The proposed operational segment of Line 9 spans approximately 4.4 km between Dahisar East and Kashigaon. This section includes four stations: Dahisar East, Pandurangwadi, Miragaon and Kashigaon. Preparations for this partial opening are underway, though full services will not begin until all clearances are secured.
In December, the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) conducted inspections of the newly constructed metro corridors and issued a set of compliance observations. “These have been addressed and an update has been shared with the CMRS,” an official was quoted as saying, adding that the authorities are awaiting formal safety certification.
An MMRDA official indicated that the safety certificate for Metro Line 9 is expected within the next week, following which the state government may proceed with the Republic Day launch.
At the same time, state authorities and Central Railway are preparing to restart 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 north from Dahisar East. Once fully operational and integrated with Metro Line 7A, it is expected to provide direct connectivity from Mira-Bhayander to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s Terminal 2.
