After the inauguration of the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line from Aarey to Cuffe Parade in 2025, the city is preparing for another major expansion of its rapid transit network in 2026, with multiple metro lines
and extensions scheduled to open across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Portions of four metro lines and one extension are expected to become operational in 2026, with at least two openings likely in January.
Line 9 Phase 1: Mira Bhayandar
Phase 1 of Metro Line 9, an extension of Line 7, is expected to open in early 2026. Though it has only four stations, the stretch is seen as critical as it brings metro connectivity to Mira Bhayandar for the first time. The 4.5-km section will extend the line from Dahisar East to Kashigaon, ending near the Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium in Bhayandar. Once operational, commuters from Mira Bhayandar will be able to use Line 7 to reach the Western Express Highway and Line 2A to access DN Nagar, with onward interchanges to Lines 1 and 3.
Metro Line 2B: Partial Opening Expected
Metro Line 2B, which will eventually run from DN Nagar to Mankhurd, is also undergoing CMRS testing. Five stations on the Mandale–Diamond Garden stretch in Chembur are close to being ready. The 5.3-km eastern stretch will connect with the Harbour line at Mankhurd railway station and is expected to serve commuters in the eastern suburbs. The full 23.6-km corridor is designed to significantly improve east–west connectivity, passing through Bandra, Kurla and Chembur. The second phase of Line 2B, linking DN Nagar to Saraswat Nagar in Khar, is expected to begin operations by mid-2026.
Metro Lines 4 and 4A: Mumbai–Thane Link
Metro Lines 4 and 4A, which connect Mumbai and Thane, are expected to partially open in 2026, with about two-thirds of the corridor becoming operational. The first 10.5-km stretch in Thane, from Cadbury Junction to Gaimukh, is likely to open by March. This includes Line 4A, a 2.7-km extension from Kasarvadavali to Gaimukh. The next phase, extending another 10 km from Gaimukh to Gandhi Nagar in Vikhroli, is targeted for completion within six months. The full line, which will eventually reach Wadala, is expected to be completed by 2027.
Metro Line 6: JVLR Corridor
Metro Line 6, a key east–west corridor along the Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road, is expected to be fully operational by mid-2026. The 15.3-km line will connect Swami Samarth Nagar in Andheri West to Vikhroli, passing through Andheri East, Powai and Kanjurmarg.
