Residents and civic activists from Mumbai’s eastern suburbs have called on authorities to open the first operational stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 2B without further delay, arguing that the corridor has already received the necessary safety approvals and is ready to serve commuters. They believe that beginning services on the completed section will help reduce road congestion and offer significant relief to daily travellers in the area.
The Phase I portion of the metro line spans around 5.4 kilometres between Diamond Garden in Chembur and Mandale in Mankhurd. This section includes five stations — Diamond Garden, Shivaji Chowk, BSNL Metro, Mankhurd and Mandale. The corridor has already secured safety certification from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). Despite this clearance, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which is responsible for implementing the project, has not yet started passenger services on the route.
Local residents say that postponing the launch of such a major public transport project undermines its purpose of easing the city’s transport burden. They argue that the metro corridor was designed to improve connectivity in the eastern suburbs and provide a faster alternative to road travel.
RTI activist Anil Galgali said delaying operationalisation of public infrastructure projects has financial as well as commuter implications.
“Any public infrastructure project if delayed has larger repercussions in terms of finance as these projects are built on credit lines. If operations begin, money will start flowing and eventually the repayment can be structured. Moreover, the metro has been planned to ease road congestion and provide relief to commuters. Any more delay will only add to inconvenience,” Galgali said.
Residents living near the upcoming stations say the metro service will greatly improve everyday travel and reduce dependence on crowded transport options. Dr Vijay Sangole, a resident of Shell Colony in Chembur, said the Diamond Garden station would be the nearest metro access point for many people in the locality and its early opening would be highly beneficial.
“For residents like us, the closest station will be Diamond Garden. If the services commence, commuters can travel seamlessly up to Mandale. Therefore, the services should be started without further formalities,” he said.
Social worker and Chembur resident Anil Trivedi also stressed the need to begin services soon, noting that the metro would ease pressure on Mumbai’s suburban railway network and offer a more comfortable travel option during the hot summer months.
“Metros can take the burden off railway stations and if launched during the summer heat, people will have a cooler and more comfortable travel option,” Trivedi said.
Source: The Free Press Journal
