The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is preparing to open the Chembur station on Mumbai Metro Line 2B in April, marking a key milestone in the rollout of the much-anticipated Andheri–Mankhurd corridor. The move is aimed at testing commuter response while delivering early connectivity benefits to residents in the eastern suburbs, according to reports.
Mumbai Metro Line 2B, also known as the Yellow Line, is a 23.64-km elevated corridor designed to connect D.N. Nagar in Andheri West with Mandale in Mankhurd East. Once fully operational, the line is expected to play a critical role in strengthening east–west connectivity across the city. By linking the western suburbs with eastern neighbourhoods and major employment hubs such as the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), the corridor is set to ease pressure on Mumbai’s congested road and rail networks.
Initially, Metro Line 2B was planned to be commissioned in three distinct phases. Phase one was to cover the 5.39-km stretch between Diamond Garden and Mandale. Phase two was planned from Diamond Garden to Saraswat Nagar, while phase three was to connect Saraswat Nagar to Andheri West, enabling seamless integration with Metro Line 2A. The entire corridor will feature 20 elevated stations once completed.
The line will pass through a wide range of residential, commercial and transit-heavy areas. The stations on Metro Line 2B include ESIC Nagar, Prem Nagar, Indira Nagar, Nanavati Hospital, Khira Nagar, Saraswat Nagar, National College, Bandra Metro, Income Tax Office, ILFS, MTNL Metro, SG Barve Marg, Kurla East, Eastern Express Highway, Chembur, Diamond Garden, Shivaji Chowk, BSNL Metro, Mankhurd and Mandale Metro.
From a project status perspective, Phase 1 of the corridor, which runs between Mandale and Diamond Garden, is nearing operational readiness. Final safety certifications are currently being processed, and authorities expect the full corridor to be completed between 2026 and 2027. Opening the Chembur station ahead of full completion is seen as a strategic step to familiarise commuters with the new line while gradually expanding services.
A major strength of Metro Line 2B lies in its extensive integration with Mumbai’s existing transport network. The corridor will offer direct interchanges with Metro Line 1 and Metro Line 2A at D.N. Nagar, providing smoother connectivity across the western suburbs. It will also connect with the underground Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) at BKC, significantly improving access to one of the city’s busiest business districts. In addition, commuters will be able to transfer to the suburban railway network at Bandra, Kurla and Mankhurd, and to the Mumbai Monorail at Chembur.
Supporting the operations of Metro Line 2B is the Mandale depot, a landmark facility in itself. The Mandale Metro Depot is Asia’s largest and first elevated metro depot, spread across 30.45 hectares. Developed by the MMRDA, the state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced technology, eco-friendly features and future-ready infrastructure. The two-level depot can accommodate up to 72 metro trains simultaneously, with space for 36 trains on each level.
With the Chembur station slated to open in April, Metro Line 2B is poised to begin reshaping daily commutes along the Andheri–Mankhurd corridor, bringing Mumbai a step closer to a more integrated and efficient urban transit system.
Source: News18
