Mumbai’s suburban transit infrastructure is poised for a significant boost as Metro Line 9, connecting Dahisar East to Mira-Bhayandar, reaches a critical milestone in its development.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that the Overhead Equipment (OHE) powering the metro trains on the 5-km stretch between Dahisar East and Kashigaon will be energised by May 10. This development sets the stage for dynamic trials and signals the project’s transition from construction to operational readiness. The 11.38-km elevated corridor is being developed as an extension of Metro Line 7, which currently links Gundavali to Dahisar East and commenced operations in early 2023. Metro Line 9 is being executed in two distinct phases—Phase 1 covering Dahisar East to Kashigaon and Phase 2 extending further to Subhash Chandra Bose Ground in Mira-Bhayandar. The energisation of the line involves activating the 25-kilovolt AC overhead traction system, a technical prerequisite for comprehensive train testing under real-time conditions.
Officials associated with the project confirmed that over 85 percent of the civil and systems infrastructure for the corridor has been completed. With the energisation timeline in place, dynamic train trials will begin shortly after. These trials will evaluate vital systems such as train control, station-to-train communication, signalling, passenger safety protocols, and energy efficiency parameters to ensure the network is primed for reliable public service. Once operational, Metro Line 9 is expected to significantly enhance connectivity for residents of the north-western suburbs of Mumbai and the neighbouring Mira-Bhayandar region. Eight elevated stations will dot the line: Dahisar East, Pandurang Wadi, Mira Gaon, Kashigaon, Sai Baba Nagar, Meditya Nagar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Garden, and Subhash Chandra Bose Ground. These stations are projected to serve as key transport interchanges, reducing commute times and offering a seamless transition from the congested road corridors to a low-emission, rail-based mobility system.
The MMRDA has reiterated its commitment to launching Phase 1 by the end of the year. To that end, the authority is accelerating works on electrification, systems integration, and station readiness. Senior officials have engaged with key stakeholders from infrastructure and signalling firms, encouraging the adoption of global best practices in metro rail deployment to meet the ambitious deadline. Line 9 is strategically important for two reasons: first, it continues the metro’s northward expansion, bridging the growing urban sprawl of Mira-Bhayandar with the core of Mumbai city; second, it acts as a sustainable transport alternative to the overburdened roadways that connect the twin cities. With over 1.2 lakh daily commuters expected to benefit from the new line once both phases are operational, the project could play a transformative role in shifting public preference towards mass transit and reducing carbon emissions from private vehicles and buses.
Transport and sustainability experts have lauded the metro line as a timely intervention in curbing vehicular pollution and traffic congestion. By encouraging modal shifts from cars and auto-rickshaws to electric-powered mass transit, the project aligns with broader urban policy goals to decarbonise city transport and build climate-resilient infrastructure. The full electrification of Line 9 also reflects Mumbai’s growing alignment with the national targets of carbon neutrality and smart urbanisation. The Mira-Bhayandar region, long dependent on narrow arterial roads and congested suburban railway stations, stands to gain immensely. For daily office-goers, students, and women commuters especially, the new corridor offers safer, faster, and more reliable access to the city’s core without the stress of road delays or long queues at railway platforms.
While Line 9’s construction did face early delays due to the pandemic and subsequent disruptions in civil works, MMRDA’s renewed push over the past year has accelerated timelines. The shift towards year-end commissioning of Phase 1 has been made possible through regular reviews, contract coordination, and streamlined permissions from local and regional authorities. However, experts caution that seamless integration with other transport modes, including bus services and pedestrian access, will be key to maximising the utility of the new line. Last-mile connectivity—often the weak link in Indian public transit systems—must be addressed through feeder services, bicycle infrastructure, and disability-friendly station design to make Metro Line 9 inclusive and equitable.
As Mumbai continues to expand towards its northern edges, projects like Metro Line 9 are emblematic of the need for planned, sustainable urban growth. Beyond steel and concrete, the line represents a vision of a greener and more liveable metropolis—one that puts people, air quality, and ease of movement at the centre of its development philosophy. With power energisation just days away and trial runs around the corner, the next few months will be crucial. If all goes according to plan, thousands of commuters in the western suburbs could ring in the new year with a faster, greener way to get around their city.
Dahisar to Mira Road Metro Nears Completion
