Is Thane Set to Transform with the First Metro?

Mumbai, May 14 (NationPress) The trial run for Phase-1 of Metro Line-9 was initiated on Wednesday, marking a historic milestone as the first-ever metro line in Thane district. This significant event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Chairman Eknath Shinde, along with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

A thorough technical inspection took place in their presence. Metro Line-9 is part of Mumbai’s groundbreaking double-decker infrastructure project, where both metro trains and vehicular flyovers operate on a shared viaduct.

Phase 1 covers a distance of 4.4 km from Dahisar (East) to Kashigaon, incorporating stations at Dahisar (East), Pandurangwadi, Miragaon, and Kashigaon.

The MMRDA indicated that Metro Line-9 is set to revolutionize travel for residents of Mira-Bhayandar by providing direct connections to CSMIA Airport through Lines 7, 7A, and Andheri (West) via Line 2B, Ghatkopar via Lines 7 and 1, Link Road through Metro Line-2A at Dahisar (East), Thane through Line-10 at Miragaon (in the future), and Vasai-Virar through the upcoming Line-13.

According to the MMRDA, “The establishment of this corridor is anticipated to drastically alleviate traffic congestion, particularly near Dahisar Toll Naka, decrease vehicular emissions, and advocate for environmentally friendly commuting practices, including energy-efficient systems such as regenerative braking and sustainable construction techniques that minimize environmental impacts.”

Chief Minister Fadnavis remarked, “The technical testing for this phase has commenced. This segment provides uninterrupted connectivity along the Western Express Highway and will serve as a crucial solution for decongesting traffic. This is the first instance in the MMR where a double-decker structure merging a metro and a flyover has been built. Mira-Bhayandar will greatly benefit from this integration, and we are dedicated to completing 50 km of metro this year, followed by 62 km next year and 60 km the year after. By 2027, metro travel will significantly expand, easing the burden on our main roads.”

In his address, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated, “The proposed extension towards Virar will guarantee connectivity across Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. Under the guidance of MMRDA, we are striving towards a 337 km extensive metro network for Mumbai. Our aim is to launch 50–60 km of metro every year, thus providing comprehensive last-mile and end-to-end connectivity. This initiative will notably decrease the number of vehicles on the roads and significantly lower pollution levels.”

Furthermore, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed, “Metro Line-9 stands as a testament to our dedication to accelerating infrastructure projects that serve the common populace. With minimized travel times and improved intermodal connections, this corridor will enhance commuting ease and positively impact the regional economy.”

The MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee emphasized that Metro Line-9 is a pivotal connector that links Mira-Bhayandar with the broader Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

“With seamless transitions to key metro lines including Line-2A, Line-7, Line-1, and the forthcoming Lines 10 and 13, this corridor offers a continuous, end-to-end travel experience from Mira-Bhayandar to Andheri, Ghatkopar, Thane, and even Vasai-Virar. It encapsulates our vision of 'Mumbai in Minutes'—where time, distance, and congestion no longer hinder opportunity, mobility, or growth,” he concluded.