After years of delay, Mumbai’s much-anticipated Metro Line 2B is finally picking up speed. Trial runs on a 5.9-kilometre section will begin on April 16. This stretch connects ESIC Nagar to IL&FS and is part of the larger Yellow Line project.
What is Metro 2B?
Metro Line 2B is a key component of Mumbai’s expanding metro network. Once completed, it will connect DN Nagar in Andheri West to Mandale in Mankhurd. The full line spans 23.6 kilometres and includes 20 stations.
The Yellow Line is designed as an elevated corridor and aims to ease congestion in the city’s eastern suburbs. Once operational, it will drastically reduce travel time between the Western suburbs and Eastern Express Highway.
Why the delay?
The project faced multiple setbacks since its announcement. Disputes over the elevated alignment, legal challenges, and COVID-related delays all pushed the timeline back. Construction was initially slated for completion in 2022 but ran behind schedule.
Current progress
The trial phase starting April 16 covers five stations: ESIC Nagar, Shitladevi, Saraswat Nagar, National College, and IL&FS. This stage will assess signalling, power systems, and rolling stock performance. Following successful trials, commercial operations are expected to begin in 2025.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that all civil work in this phase is nearly complete.
What to expect
Once Metro 2B is live, travel time from DN Nagar to Mandale is expected to reduce from over 90 minutes to around 40 minutes. It will also provide smoother last-mile connectivity and reduce traffic on the road.
For Mumbaikars tired of the daily road grind, the Yellow Line promises a quicker, cleaner ride.
