The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has revised the schedule for inaugurating select operational stretches of Metro Lines 9 and 2B, with the ceremony now set to take place on Tuesday,
April 7. The launch had previously been planned for earlier dates but was postponed due to scheduling constraints involving key political leaders.
According to a report in Indian Express, the inauguration was initially slated for April 3. However, the programme had to be deferred as senior leaders were occupied with official engagements outside Maharashtra. Authorities subsequently explored April 5 and April 6 as alternative dates before finalising April 7 for the event.
The inauguration will be presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar. The programme is scheduled to begin at 10 am in Dahisar, Mumbai, where the dignitaries will formally launch the services.
Metro Line 9: Inspection Across Phase 1 Stretch
As part of the event, officials and dignitaries will travel across four stations under Phase 1 of Metro Line 9.
The route will conclude at Kashigaon on Mira Road, providing a preview of the newly operational segment. This stretch is expected to enhance connectivity in the northern suburbs and reduce travel time for daily commuters.
Launch Of Tunnelling Work For Key Infrastructure Project
Following the Metro Line 9 programme, attention will shift to the Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project. At the Thane site, tunnelling work will commence with the deployment of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) named ‘Nayak’.
This project is considered a significant step towards improving east-west connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Metro Line 2B: Partial Stretch To Be Opened
Later in the day, a partial stretch of Metro Line 2B will also be inaugurated. The launch will take place from Diamond Garden station in Chembur, covering five stations up to Mandale.
This section is expected to ease congestion and provide an additional rapid transit option for commuters travelling across central and eastern parts of Mumbai.
Ground-Breaking Ceremony For Pod Taxi Project
In addition to Metro developments, the day will also mark the ground-breaking ceremony for the proposed pod taxi project at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The initiative is aimed at introducing an alternative mode of urban transport within one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs.
Overall, the rescheduled inauguration brings together multiple infrastructure milestones, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen Mumbai’s urban transport network and improve commuter mobility across key corridors.
