The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority is set to roll out a series of major transport initiatives on April 7, following a brief postponement of the earlier schedule. The event will include the inauguration of two Metro corridors and the foundation ceremonies for key projects aimed at transforming connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers are expected to attend the occasion.
Among the highlights is the launch of Metro Line 2B (Phase I), a 5.4-km stretch connecting Diamond Garden to Mandale. The corridor, which has received clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, includes five stations—Diamond Garden, Shivaji Chowk, BSNL Metro, Mankhurd, and Mandale—and is expected to significantly improve east–west connectivity in the eastern suburbs.
Metro Line 9 (Phase I), spanning 4.97 km between Dahisar East and Kashigaon, will also be inaugurated. After successful trials and safety approvals, the line is expected to benefit commuters in the Mira-Bhayander belt by easing pressure on existing suburban rail and road networks, while improving access to key transit hubs such as the airport.
In addition to the Metro launches, the authority will conduct the bhoomipujan for the Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel project. This ambitious underground corridor is designed to slash travel time between Thane and Borivali from 60–90 minutes to nearly 15 minutes. The project will feature twin tunnels with multiple traffic lanes and safety passages, and will see the deployment of its first Tunnel Boring Machine, ‘Nayak’.
The event will also mark the groundbreaking for the pod taxi system in Bandra Kurla Complex. The proposed network, spanning around 8 km with over 30 stations, aims to boost last-mile connectivity between Bandra and Kurla stations and the business hub.
Officials say these developments represent a significant step toward modernising Mumbai’s transport infrastructure and addressing long-standing congestion challenges.
Source: The Free Press Journal
