The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) gears up to commence trial runs this week on the initial 4.9-kilometre operational stretch of Mumbai Metro Line 9.
This completed section connects Dahisar (East) and Kashigaon, and its energisation on May 10th marks a crucial step towards making this much-awaited infrastructure project a reality. If all goes according to plan during the rigorous inspections and trial runs, the first phase of this metro line is projected to be open to the public within the current calendar year, offering a much-needed alternative to the congested road networks in the region.
The entirety of the 13.5-kilometre Mumbai Metro Line 9 corridor is designed to seamlessly link Dahisar (East) with Mira-Bhayander, a vital connection for the sprawling Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The project is being executed in two distinct phases to expedite the benefits for commuters. Recognizing the pressing need for enhanced public transportation in this densely populated corridor, the MMRDA has strategically decided to initiate operations on the completed segment between Dahisar (East) and Kashigaon as the first phase, rather than waiting for the entire line to be fully constructed.
Metro Line 9 will eventually comprise eight strategically located stations: Dahisar, Pandurang Wadi, Miragaon, Kashigaon, Sai Baba Nagar, Meditiya Nagar, Shahid Bhagat Singh Garden, and Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium. However, the initial operational phase will cater to commuters travelling between the first four stations: Dahisar, Pandurang Wadi, Miragaon, and Kashigaon. This partial opening will immediately provide a rapid and efficient transit option for those travelling within this heavily trafficked zone, potentially alleviating some of the persistent congestion on the arterial roads connecting these areas.
Providing an update on the overall progress of Metro Line 9, an MMRDA official stated that an impressive “96.7 per cent of the work on the entire corridor is complete.” This near-completion status signals that the remaining sections of the line are also advancing steadily, hinting at the eventual full operationalisation of the entire Dahisar to Mira-Bhayander stretch in the foreseeable future, further enhancing north-south connectivity within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Once fully operational, Metro Line 9 is poised to become a vital artery in Mumbai’s expanding metro network, directly connecting the northern suburbs of Dahisar and Andheri. Importantly, it will be seamlessly integrated with existing Metro Line 7 (Dahisar East to Andheri East) and Metro Line 2A (Dahisar East to D N Nagar). This crucial integration will allow passengers originating from areas as far north as Mira-Bhayander to travel directly to the western hub of Andheri using the efficient and eco-friendly metro system, bypassing the often-gridlocked surface transport networks. This enhanced connectivity will not only save valuable commuting time but also contribute to reducing vehicular emissions and promoting a more sustainable urban transport ecosystem.
Metro Line 9 was initially targeted for complete commissioning by October 2024. However, like many large-scale infrastructure projects, it has faced construction delays, which have consequently pushed back its final completion timeline. These delays have understandably caused frustration among local residents who are currently grappling with significant traffic congestion in the vicinity of the ongoing construction activities and have been vocal in their appeals for immediate relief from these disruptions.
In a proactive response to the concerns of local residents and the pressing need for improved public transport options, the MMRDA has adopted a pragmatic approach by deciding to launch metro services on the completed sections as they become ready, rather than waiting for the entire 13.5-kilometre line to be finished. The commencement of trial runs on the Dahisar (East) to Kashigaon stretch this week is a tangible demonstration of this commitment to providing early relief and gradually expanding the operational reach of Metro Line 9, ultimately contributing to a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable urban transportation network for the residents of Mumbai’s northern suburbs.
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