Mumbai, April 9: Commuters showed a strong turnout on the first day of operations for Mumbai Metro Line 9, while Line 2B recorded comparatively lukewarm ridership, highlighting mixed public response as the city’s metro network expands.
Commercial services for both corridors began on April 8, a day after their inauguration by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Line 9 draws strong commuter interest
Metro Line 9, which connects Dahisar East to Kashigaon in a key northern corridor and provides direct integration with Line 7 around Gundavali, drew a large number of daily passengers on its debut. The line’s enhanced connectivity, shorter travel times, and relief from congested roads made it especially popular among professionals, students, and families commuting between Mira‑Bhayandar and western suburbs.
Passengers praised the convenience of the new stretch, noting its ease of use and improved accessibility to major residential and business districts. However, some commuters flagged concerns over missing safety features such as platform screen doors at certain stations, urging authorities to prioritize these upgrades.
Line 2B sees tepid turnout
In contrast, early ridership figures for Metro Line 2B—which operates a new section between Mandale and Diamond Garden covering parts of Chembur and the Harbour Line area—were noticeably lower. Reports on day one indicated only a small number of passengers had boarded Line 2B trains by late afternoon, with some estimates around a few hundred travellers.
Transport analysts attribute the slow uptake to limited connectivity and integration with major transit hubs. Many commuters said that Line 2B’s true potential would emerge only after extensions link it with prominent employment and interchange nodes, including Bandra, Kurla and Andheri.
Network expansion and future outlook
The partial launch of Lines 9 and 2B forms part of the ongoing expansion of the Mumbai Metro network. With both corridors now operational on a limited basis, the overall network has crossed significant milestones, and further extensions are planned to enhance citywide connectivity.
Officials noted that ridership trends typically evolve over time as commuters familiarise themselves with new routes and connectivity improves. Authorities also expect that future network integrations and feeder services will boost usage of Line 2B in the coming months.
As Mumbai’s metro system continues to grow, the first‑day experience reflects both the promise and challenges of expanding urban transit in one of India’s busiest metropolitan regions.
