Mumbai: In a major step toward enhanced urban mobility in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday flagged off the trial run of Metro Line-9 Phase-1, stretching from Dahisar (East) to Kashigaon. This development marks the first metro corridor in Thane district, signaling a transformative shift in regional connectivity.
The launch event also saw the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. A technical inspection of the metro line was conducted during the ceremony.
Part of Mumbai’s first-ever double-decker infrastructure project, Metro Line-9 is designed to share its viaduct with a vehicular flyover. Phase-1 spans 4.4 km and includes four stations: Dahisar (East), Pandurangwadi, Miragaon, and Kashigaon.
Once operational, the line will directly link Mira-Bhayandar to key destinations across the city, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport via Lines 7 and 7A, Andheri (West) through Line 2B, Ghatkopar via Lines 7 and 1, and further extend to Link Road, Thane (via the upcoming Line-10), and Vasai-Virar (through Line-13).
The corridor is expected to ease heavy traffic, particularly around Dahisar Toll Naka, reduce vehicular emissions, and encourage eco-friendly commuting alternatives.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked, “This stretch offers seamless connectivity along the Western Express Highway and will act as a major decongestion solution. It is the first time in the MMR that a double-decker structure combining a metro and a flyover has been constructed. Mira-Bhayandar will immensely benefit from this integration, and we are committed to completing 50 km of metro this year, followed by 62 km next year and 60 km in the year after. By 2027, metro travel will expand considerably, alleviating the load on our arterial roads.”
Echoing the sentiment, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde stated, “The proposed extension up to Virar will ensure connectivity across Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. Under MMRDA’s leadership, we are working towards a 337 km-long metro network for Mumbai. Our goal is to commission 50–60 km of metro each year, thereby offering complete last-mile and end-to-end connectivity. This will bring down the number of vehicles on roads and reduce pollution levels significantly.”
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar added, “Metro Line-9 is a testimony to our commitment to fast-tracking infrastructure projects that benefit the common man. With reduced travel times and enhanced intermodal connectivity, this corridor will improve the ease of commuting and contribute positively to the regional economy.”
Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Commissioner of MMRDA, emphasized the broader vision behind the project, saying, “Metro Line-9 is not just a new corridor—it is a strategic connector that integrates Mira-Bhayandar with the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With seamless interchanges to key metro lines this corridor creates a continuous, end-to-end travel experience from Mira-Bhayandar to Andheri, Ghatkopar, Thane, and even Vasai-Virar. It exemplifies our vision of 'Mumbai in Minutes'—where time, distance, and congestion no longer constrain opportunity, mobility, or growth.”
Once Metro Line 9 becomes operational, travel time between Mira-Bhayandar and Mumbai is expected to reduce significantly, providing major relief to daily commuters.
The work order for this project was issued on September 9th, 2019. Initially, the completion deadline was set for 8th September 2022. However, due to various technical and administrative reasons, the work was delayed, and then the new deadline was revised to June 2025.
Taking the delay into account, the metro authorities decided to launch the project in two phases claimed Anil Galgali RTI Activist. Galgali alleged, “Even after a three-year delay, the second phase remains uncertain and could take even longer to begin.”
