Mumbai News: New metro lines, I-Day launches & other key projects
Mumbai’s urban commute is getting an upgrade, with multiple metro lines, new roads, and last-mile links set to transform how the city moves. From trial runs on Metro Line 4 and the final stretch of Metro 3, to the fast-tracked Metro 9 and Metro 12 corridors, each project promises faster travel. Add to that new coastal road routes, and Mumbai’s transit map is about to look very different.
Metro Line 4: Trials in September, launch by year-end
Trial runs on Mumbai Metro Line 4 (Wadala–Ghatkopar–Kasarvadavali) will begin in September, with commercial operations targeted by the end of 2025. The 32.3-km elevated corridor will have 32 stations, cost about ₹14,500 crore, and provide interchanges with Metro 2B, 5 and 6. The first stretch (Wadala–Ghatkopar) is nearly ready, with track laying and system integration under way. Once fully operational, Line 4 is projected to carry over 8 lakh passengers daily, easing road congestion between south-central Mumbai and Thane.
Thane relief: Internal metro links and a Coastal Connector
Thane’s long-awaited traffic respite hinges on Line 4 and an internal metro, plus a proposed coastal route from Saket Creek to Ghodbunder Road via Gaimukh and Fountain, linking to the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Highway. Together, these corridors are expected to shift commuters from road to rail and create an alternative vehicular spine around the area.
Metro 3 (Aqua Line) Phase III: Worli–Cuffe Parade launch slips to late August
The 9.1-km underground section of Metro-3 (Worli–Cuffe Parade) will miss its Independence Day target and is now aimed for the end of August. Work at two Kalbadevi stations have slowed progress due to dense surroundings and logistics. When open, the link will materially improve north–south journeys. Further, to lift patronage on the operational section of Metro 3, MMRC plans fare discounts and promotional offers by late 2025.
Metro 9 (Red Line Extension): Dahisar to Mira-Bhayandar on track
Line 9 spans 13.58 km (11.386 km elevated, 2.195 km underground) with 10 stations from Dahisar East to Indralok, integrating with Lines 7 and 7A and connecting to Line 2A.
Progress: Civil works 96–97%; systems 75%; trial runs under way on Phase 1 (Dahisar East–Kashigaon, 4.4 km)
Opening: Phase 1 by end-2025; full line by late-2026.
Operations: 8-coach trains (capacity 2,352 each)
Service window: Likely 6 am–10 pm; headways 5–7 min (peak), 8–10 min (off-peak).
Fares: Standard AFC with smart cards/QR; slabs around ₹10–₹50 by distance
Independence Day 2025 inaugurations
On the eve of Independence Day, the state will launch several projects, including a 2.75-km flyover (Mumbai University–Vile Parle) to ease Santacruz congestion, a new bridge between Kala Nagar and Dharavi for stronger east–west connectivity, a metro motormen training centre at Mandale, MMRDA staff quarters at Malvani, and key handovers to 556 tenants from redeveloped BDD chawls (Worli).
Metro 12 (Orange Line Extension): Kalyan to Taloja and NMIA
Line 12 will be a 22.17-km fully elevated corridor with 19 stations from APMC Kalyan to Amandoot.
Cost: ₹5,865 crore
Contracts: EPC awarded to a consortium led by Gawar Constructions
Status: Works began March 2024; early-stage piles/piers/viaducts 5–20% complete.
Timeline: December 2027 target under a 30-month EPC schedule.
Rail–metro–last-mile integration: 34 stations prioritised
Western and Central Railways plan to connect 34 metro stations across 15 corridors to the suburban network, with five more linked to monorail and proposed pod taxis. Pods are planned to connect Bandra (East) and Kurla (West) stations; Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk monorail will link to Mahalaxmi station.
Ropeway proposal: Aarey to Film City
Moreover, MMRCL is evaluating a ropeway from Aarey (Line 3) to Film City, Goregaon, with a potential extension to Sanjay Gandhi National Park to ease access to high-demand, traffic-prone destinations.
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