In a significant boost for commuters in Mankhurd and Chembur, the first phase of Mumbai Metro Line 2B is scheduled to be inaugurated on April 3, bringing long-awaited relief to residents, reported the Free Press Journal. For years, locals have been urging authorities to operationalise this crucial 5.4-kilometre stretch to tackle daily traffic congestion and enhance connectivity, reported the Free Press Journal. The upcoming launch is expected to mark a major milestone in the city’s infrastructure development, offering faster and more efficient travel options to thousands of daily passengers who rely on road transport between these densely populated eastern suburbs.
The Phase I segment spans 5.4 kilometres between Diamond Garden in Chembur and Mandale in Mankhurd, covering five key stations: Diamond Garden, Shivaji Chowk, BSNL Metro, Mankhurd, and Mandale, reported the Free Press Journal. This corridor forms part of the larger 23.6-kilometre elevated Metro Line 2B project, which will include 20 stations and integrate multiple transport systems across Mumbai, reported the Free Press Journal. It will link major routes such as the Western and Eastern Express Highways, suburban railway lines, the Monorail, and other metro corridors like Lines 2A, 3, and 4, significantly reducing travel time by up to 75 per cent once fully operational.
The Chembur-Mankhurd route has long been notorious for heavy traffic congestion, particularly during peak evening hours, causing inconvenience to office workers, students, and senior citizens, reported the Free Press Journal. The new metro stretch is expected to ease this burden considerably and improve access to important local landmarks such as Diamond Garden, K Star Mall, St. Anthony's High School, RCF Colony, the Fine Arts Society, and Chembur Railway Station, reported the Free Press Journal. Earlier, Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee inspected the corridor, highlighting its readiness and stating that the project will bring faster, eco-friendly, and smarter connectivity to lakhs of Mumbaikars, reported the Free Press Journal