In a major push to strengthen Mumbai’s public transport infrastructure, two metro corridors were partially opened on Tuesday, alongside the launch of key mobility projects including a twin tunnel and a pod taxi system.
Phase I of Mumbai Metro Line 9, connecting Dahisar to Kashigaon, was inaugurated, marking progress on the Dahisar East–Mira Bhayandar corridor. Simultaneously, Phase I of Mumbai Metro Line 2B, between Diamond Garden and Mandale, was also flagged off.
The twin inaugurations were carried out by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with other dignitaries.
Tunnel Project to Ease Thane–Borivali Commute
The leaders also launched a tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the ambitious Thane–Borivali twin tunnel project. The infrastructure initiative is expected to significantly reduce travel time and ease congestion between Borivali and Thane.
The project includes twin tunnels beneath the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, making it one of India’s deepest urban tunnel developments.
BKC Pod Taxi Project Gets Green Signal
The dignitaries also performed the bhoomipoojan for the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) pod taxi project, officially known as the Automated Rapid Transit System (ARTS).
The system is designed as a modern, air-conditioned, point-to-point transit solution, with pods accommodating up to six passengers. Stations will be located approximately every 200 metres across the business district, offering a private and efficient commuting option.
Mumbai Metro Network Expanding Rapidly
Calling the occasion a “historic day,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Mumbai now has over 100 km of operational metro lines, making it the second-largest network in India after Delhi.
He added that most ongoing metro projects are expected to be completed within the next two years, with plans to build a network larger than Delhi’s within the next three to four years.
Fadnavis also highlighted the success of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), noting that nearly 80 per cent of commuters have shifted to cashless travel.
Responding to concerns about a four-lane bridge narrowing into two lanes in the Mira-Bhayandar area, he said the structure was built in a congested zone and the project is still underway.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also chairs MMRDA, said, “This is a historic day for reducing traffic congestion in Mumbai.”
No Major Traffic Disruptions Reported
Despite the high-profile event, no major traffic disruptions were reported. Traffic slowed briefly for 5–10 minutes during the arrival of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister at Dahisar East metro station.
Traffic police personnel were deployed in large numbers to ensure smooth vehicular movement.
Police officials managing security arrangements at the VVIP gate dismissed reports of denying entry to the Mayor or her staff.
“The Mayor and authorised staff entered through the VIP gate without any issue. Those not on the list were directed to use an alternate gate,” officials said.
Project Highlights
Mumbai Metro Line 2B (Diamond Garden–Mandale, Phase I)
Length: 5.53 km (elevated)
Stations: 5
Key stations: Diamond Garden, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, Deonar, Mankhurd, Mandale
Total corridor length: 23.456 km (19 stations)
Mumbai Metro Line 9 (Dahisar East–Mira Bhayandar)
Total length: 10.5 km (elevated)
Phase I (Dahisar–Kashigaon): 4.7 km
Stations (Phase I): Dahisar (East), Pandurangwadi, Miragaon, Kashigaon
Total stations: 8
Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel Project
Total project length: 11.84 km
Tunnel length: 10.25 km
5.75 km from Borivali side
6.09 km from Thane side
Connector roads: 1.59 km
Automated Rapid Transit System (Pod Taxi – BKC)
Total length: 8.85 km
Total stations: 22
Phase I: 3.36 km
Key stations: Kurla, LBS Marg, MMRDA Pay & Park, BKC, Kalanagar
* This article was originally published here
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