Metro 9 Draws Crowds While Line 2B Runs Nearly Empty on Opening Day

The inaugural day of two newly introduced Mumbai Metro corridors witnessed a stark contrast in commuter response, with Metro Line 2B (Mandale to Diamond Garden) receiving a lukewarm reception, while Metro Line 9 (Kashigaon to Dahisar East) saw overwhelming public enthusiasm. Both routes were partially opened to the public by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday afternoon, despite the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority having secured all mandatory safety approvals more than three months earlier. The differing commuter turnout highlighted how connectivity, accessibility, and existing demand patterns play a crucial role in determining the immediate success of newly launched public transport infrastructure in Mumbai’s vast and complex transit network.

On Metro Line 2B, also known as the Yellow Line, trains operated with minimal passenger occupancy throughout the day, often carrying only a handful of commuters. The currently functional 5.38-kilometre stretch connects to the suburban railway network solely at Mankhurd station, significantly restricting its usefulness for daily travellers. Trains are scheduled at intervals of approximately nine and a half minutes, completing around 209 trips daily. Officials from MMRDA indicated that ridership is likely to increase once the corridor is extended to Chembur Naka, where it will integrate with the Mumbai Monorail, thereby improving connectivity and making the route more attractive for a larger section of commuters.

In sharp contrast, Metro Line 9, which serves as an extension of Metro Line 7 between Dahisar East and Gundavali, experienced heavy passenger traffic, particularly from commuters residing in the western suburbs. Many passengers reported crowded coaches and high occupancy levels throughout the day. Nimesh Kayal, a commuter, said the metro train he was in was running at full capacity, with every seat occupied. “It’s a clear sign of how much this connectivity was needed,” Nimesh Kayal told Hindustan Times. Another passenger, Deepak Mahto, told Hindustan Times how the new metro line helps him avoid the constant noise and dust encountered while navigating the busy Dahisar toll naka area during his daily commute.

“I was waiting for this metro to start operations,” said Mira Road resident Varuna Tuteja to HT. “I travel to Andheri for work. Today, I am exploring the connectivity to familiarise myself. Hereon, I will definitely be taking this line,” Varuna Tuteja told Hindustan Times. While commuters welcomed the improved connectivity, the new metro service has adversely affected last-mile transport providers. Share-cab and autorickshaw drivers, who previously depended on ferrying passengers between Mira-Bhayandar and Dahisar East metro station, reported a significant drop in demand. In response, some share-cab drivers shifted their operations to Kashigaon metro station in search of passengers and better earnings opportunities.

Despite the strong response, commuters pointed out initial operational shortcomings on Metro Line 9, including insufficient seating arrangements on platforms, a lack of adequate dustbins, and the absence of convenience stores at the concourse level. The combined 19.79-kilometre Metro 7 and 9 corridor is set to operate 276 services on weekdays, 223 on Saturdays, and 205 on Sundays. Trains will run every five and a half minutes during peak hours and at intervals of eight to ten minutes during non-peak periods. At Dahisar East station, Kashigaon recorded the highest ticket sales, while Pandurangwadi (Dahisar Check Naka) saw the lowest passenger turnout on the opening day.