After four years of delay, Mumbai’s much-awaited Metro Yellow Line 2B scored a major milestone as a 5.4-km stretch between Diamond Garden (Chembur) and Mandale (Mankhurd) was successfully live-charged on Sunday. The first trial runs will begin on April 16, coinciding with Mumbai’s first train journey 172 years ago, marking a symbolic nod to the city’s rail legacy.

This will be the first new metro in eastern suburbs in a decade since the Blue Line 1 (Ghatkopar-Versova). The initial phase includes five stations—Diamond Garden, Shivaji Chowk, BSNL Metro, Mankhurd, and Mandale Metro, with full operations expected by December 2025.

The Yellow Line will feature indigenously manufactured six-coach trains from BEML with modern amenities including mobile charging points, surveillance systems, and bicycle accommodation. These trains utilise energy-efficient regenerative braking technology.

Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee has been closely monitoring progress to accelerate the project, which faced significant delays due to rebidding of systems contracts. While operations are expected by December 2025 for this section, the complete 18.2-km phase connecting to DN Nagar in Andheri is anticipated by December 2026.

Commuters have mixed reactions, with some noting the line's current limitations until it extends to business hubs like BKC, while others welcome relief for the overcrowded Mankhurd station.