Mumbai Metro: Yellow Line 2B Set for April 16 Trial Run
Mumbai’s much-anticipated Metro Yellow Line 2B is gearing up for a key development, as trial runs are set to begin on April 16 between Chembur’s Diamond Garden and Mankhurd’s Mandale. The 5.4-kilometre stretch has been fully electrified, with overhead wires now live—signalling a major step forward in a project delayed by four years.
According to Media Reports, the first trial run will take place on the 172nd anniversary of India’s first train journey, a symbolic date also recognised as the foundation day of Indian Railways.
This marks the first metro extension into Mumbai’s eastern suburbs in a decade, since the Blue Line (Metro Line 1) connected Versova to Ghatkopar. Yellow Line 2B will uniquely serve the eastern corridor, while most newer lines have focused on the western parts of the city. Trial operations are reportedly being fast-tracked under the leadership of MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, despite the initial full operation deadline being December 2025.
Five Stations Nearing Completion
Five stations along the route—Diamond Garden, Shivaji Chowk, BSNL Metro, Mankhurd, and Mandale—are close to completion. The line will also connect with the existing Mumbai Monorail at Chembur, improving intermodal transport access.
The line will use six-coach trains built by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). These made-in-India coaches include advanced features such as regenerative braking, steel integral bodies, mobile charging ports, IP-based announcements, surveillance cameras, and bike storage.
Phased Testing Ahead
Initial trials will focus on system integration, assessing rolling stock, signalling, and power supply. This will be followed by loaded test runs, where passenger weight is simulated using heavy loads. Upon successful completion, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety will conduct a final inspection before the line opens to the public.
The complete Yellow Line 2B will eventually cover 18.2 km from Diamond Garden to DN Nagar in Andheri, comprising 14 stations, and is now projected to be fully operational by December 2026.