The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has formally requested the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) to conduct an inspection of the Metro Line 2B extension up to the Chembur metro station on Sion-Trombay Road. This step is part of efforts to operationalize a crucial interchange with the monorail network, which has been non-operational since November 2023 due to a major technical fault.
Proposed Chembur Station and Connectivity
The proposed Chembur station, situated adjacent to the existing Diamond Garden station, will extend the Phase I stretch between Diamond Garden and Mandale, which was inaugurated on April 8. Officials highlight that this extension aims to enhance connectivity in the eastern suburbs while enabling seamless integration with the monorail system.
An MMRDA official stated, "We are targeting to open this stretch this monsoon season."
Integration with Monorail and Multimodal Network
The Chembur metro station is located within 100 meters of the V N Purav Marg monorail station, allowing commuters to easily switch between modes. This integration is expected to particularly benefit passengers traveling towards Chembur and south Mumbai. Commuters alighting at Chembur metro station can take the monorail from V N Purav Marg to reach Chembur monorail station, which is about 200 meters from Chembur railway station on the Harbour Line, providing further rail connectivity.
The monorail corridor extends up to Mahalaxmi at Jacob Circle, offering a direct link to south-central Mumbai. From Mahalaxmi, commuters can access Metro 3 (Aqua Line) to travel towards Worli and Cuffe Parade, thereby creating a wider multimodal network once services resume.
Current Status and Expected Impact
Work on the Chembur metro station is at an advanced stage, with staircases and access infrastructure nearing completion. Sources indicate that MMRDA is awaiting the CMRS inspection schedule, after which the extension could be opened to the public.
The authority expects the extension to boost ridership on Line 2B due to its location near Swastik Park junction, which offers connectivity to Kurla via BEST buses and autorickshaws. Line 2B recorded an average daily ridership of 3,992 between April 8 and 14.
Officials added that Line 2B will eventually connect with the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and integrate with the existing Metro Line 2A between Andheri West and Dahisar, significantly strengthening east-west connectivity across the city.
