Mumbai Metro 2B Gears Up for Trial Runs This Week

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is set to launch trial runs for Metro Line 2B’s initial phase starting Wednesday, marking a significant step toward enhancing the city’s public transit network. The 5.3-km stretch from Mandale to Diamond Garden, covering five stations Mandale, Mankhurd, BSNL, Shivaji Chowk, and Diamond Garden has been energized with live overhead wires, preparing it for testing.

According to MMRDA officials, the trials will begin with an empty train to evaluate track and system performance, followed by loaded tests to simulate passenger conditions. These tests are expected to wrap up within two to three months, paving the way for commercial operations by December 2025, pending approval from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety.

The full 23.6-km Metro 2B corridor, connecting Mandale to DN Nagar in Andheri with 20 stations, is slated for completion by December 2026. Once operational, it will significantly improve east-west connectivity, linking with Metro Line 2A at DN Nagar, Metro Line 8 at Kurla, and the Central Railway’s suburban network. This phase is anticipated to ease travel for residents of Chembur and Mankhurd, offering faster access to Mumbai’s broader metro system.

Metro 2B’s development follows delays due to land acquisition challenges, particularly for the metro car shed at Mandale. Despite these hurdles, recent progress has been swift, with the live charging of the Chembur-Mankhurd section completed ahead of schedule. The project aligns with Mumbai’s rail heritage day, adding a symbolic nod to the city’s transportation legacy.