New Delhi: The first phase of Metro Line 9 in Mumbai, which would run between Kashigaon and Dahisar will most likely be inaugurated on April 3, 2026. However a final approval from the state government on this matter is still awaited. The day may also see a bhoomipujan for a Pod-Taxi service in BKC and the launch of tunnel boring machines for the Thane Borivali project.
Trial complete, safety clearance given to metro route
According to a report in the Times of India, the elevated Metro stretch between the 2 destinations has received all safety clearances and trials have also been completed. This is a 4.5 kilometre-long route, said officials of Mumbai Metro.
Apart from the Metro, the Golden Nest flyover will also be opened for the commuters on the same day as the Metro route inauguration. The stretch of the road however had come under criticism over the lane narrowing on the stretch.
Talks about the Metro stretch opening soon gained traction after Bhayander MLA Narendra Mehta shared a video on his social media handle, indicating that the metro stretch would be opened soon. However the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has so far refused to confirm, when exactly with the Line 9 of the Mumbai Metro open.
An official said “We have requested a date and are awaiting approval.”
Maharashtra CM, Deputy CMs to attend Metro inauguration
Meanwhile, it is expected that the Metro Line 9n inauguration would be attended by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and the 2 deputies, Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.
The Metro Line 9 is an extension of the existing Metro Line 7 (Dahisar–Gundavli). Once this route is operational, then commuters from Mira Road will be able to travel directly to Gundavli, without having to change trains. This route would make commuting to Andheri East easier.
The passengers travelling to west Mumbai can interchange trains at Dahisar to reach Andheri West. This station connects phase 1 metro station DN Nagar. From here passengers can travel to Versova and Ghatkopar.
The controversial Golden Nest Junction flyover, is also set to open on April 3. It is however in the news for all the wrong reasons, as it has very narrow lanes.
The Pod Taxi project in BKC stretches 8.8 km and has 38 stations. They will work using pods which carry 3 to 6 passengers. The 11.8-km Thane–Borivli twin tunnel project will see the launch of TBMs which will cut travel time to around 15 minutes.