Is Thane Ready for its First Metro? Trial Run for Metro Line 9 Phase I Begins!

Mumbai, May 14 (NationPress) The trial run for Phase-1 of Metro Line-9 commenced on Wednesday, signifying the launch of the first-ever metro line in Thane district. The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister & Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Chairman Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

A technical inspection took place in their presence. Metro Line-9 is an integral part of Mumbai’s innovative double-decker infrastructure project, enabling both metro and vehicular flyovers to share a common viaduct.

Phase 1 stretches 4.4 km from Dahisar (East) to Kashigaon, with stops at Dahisar (East), Pandurangwadi, Miragaon, and Kashigaon.

As per MMRDA, Metro Line-9 is expected to revolutionize travel for residents of Mira-Bhayandar by providing direct connectivity to CSMIA Airport via Lines 7, 7A, and to Andheri (West) through Line 2B, as well as Ghatkopar via Lines 7 and 1. Future connections include Thane via Line-10 at Miragaon and Vasai-Virar via the soon-to-launch Line-13.

According to MMRDA, “The implementation of this corridor is anticipated to greatly diminish traffic congestion, particularly near Dahisar Toll Naka, lower vehicular emissions, and encourage eco-friendly commuting. It will also incorporate energy-efficient systems like regenerative braking and utilize green construction practices to minimize environmental impact.”

Chief Minister Fadnavis remarked: “Technical testing for this phase has started. This stretch provides seamless connectivity along the Western Express Highway and will serve as a major solution for decongesting transportation routes. It's a pioneering achievement in the MMR with the construction of a double-decker structure combining a metro and a flyover. Mira-Bhayandar will significantly gain from this integration, and we are dedicated to completing 50 km of metro this year, with 62 km next year and 60 km the year after. By 2027, metro travel is set to expand considerably, easing the burden on our main roads.”

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde added: “The planned extension to Virar will ensure connectivity across Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. Under MMRDA’s guidance, we are striving for a metro network spanning 337 km for Mumbai. Our target is to launch 50–60 km of metro yearly, offering complete last-mile and end-to-end connectivity, thereby significantly reducing the number of vehicles on the roads and lowering pollution levels.”

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emphasized: “Metro Line-9 is a testament to our commitment to accelerating infrastructure projects that benefit the public. By reducing travel times and enhancing intermodal connectivity, this corridor will improve commuting ease and positively impact the regional economy.”

MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee affirmed that Metro Line-9 is a crucial connector uniting Mira-Bhayandar with the broader Mumbai Metropolitan Region. “With smooth transitions to key metro lines, including Line-2A, Line-7, Line-1, and the upcoming Lines 10 and 13, this corridor establishes a continuous, end-to-end travel experience from Mira-Bhayandar to Andheri, Ghatkopar, Thane, and even Vasai-Virar. It embodies our vision of ‘Mumbai in Minutes’—where time, distance, and congestion are no longer barriers to opportunity, mobility, or growth,” he stated.