The inauguration of Mumbai Metro Line 9 has beendelayedmultiple times, raising questions over the readiness of the project. The launch date was first expected
on April 3, then shifted to April 6, and is now likely to take place on April 7. Reports indicate that the delay is not due to construction issues, as Phase 1 of the project is already complete. Instead, the postponement is largely attributed to scheduling factors of political leaders, who are busy due to ongoing assembly elections in different states. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the inauguration of the service got delayed over certain factors. “We were waiting for the safety nod first, which we have received. Now the inauguration date is set for April 6 for the inauguration of the route,” Sarnaik said. Also Read | How Metro 9 Will Change Commute From Mira-Bhayandar
Mumbai Metro Line 9: Four Stations Ready, Awaiting Launch
The first phase of Metro Line 9 will connect Mira Bhayandar to the existing metro network, extending Line 7 beyond Dahisar East. Four stations Dahisar, Pandurang Wadi, Mira Gaon and Kashigaon are fully ready and awaiting inauguration.
Trial runs have been completed, and safety clearance has already been granted by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety in January. Once operational, the corridor will allow direct travel from Kashigaon to Gundavali without interchange.
The phase is also expected to be launched alongside four stations of Metro Line 2B, which will connect Mandale to Diamond Garden in Chembur.
Ridership Boost Expected
Officials said the extension is likely to significantly increase ridership on the western suburban metro network.
“Ridership will increase by at least 50,000 and could go up to one lakh, as the metro will provide an alternative to the heavily congested Dahisar toll naka stretch on the Western Express Highway,” an official from the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited said, The Indian Express reported.
Currently, Metro Lines 2A and 7 record a combined daily ridership of around 3.4 lakh passengers, up from about 2.5 lakh in February 2025. However, this remains below projections made in the Detailed Project Reports.
With the Line 9 extension and increased services on Line 7, officials expect a steady rise in commuter numbers in the coming years.
