Resolve to Make Mumbai the Most Accessible and Integrated Transport City in the Country – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Inauguration of First Phase of Mumbai Metro 2B and E-Groundbreaking of Pod Taxi Project

Mumbai, April 2026: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the state government is committed to making Mumbai the most accessible and integrated transport system city in the country, with a focus on providing citizens a seamless and convenient travel experience through multi-modal integration.

The first phase of Mumbai Metro Line 2B (DN Nagar to Mandale), from Deshbhakt N.G. Acharya Garden – Diamond Garden to Mandale, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Fadnavis. The e-groundbreaking of the Pod Taxi project was also carried out on this occasion.

The programme held at Deshbhakt N.G. Acharya Garden – Diamond Garden Metro Station in Chembur was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, MLAs Sana Malik, Tukaram Kate, Mangesh Kudalkar, MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Additional Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal, and other dignitaries. On this occasion, the foundation plaque of Mumbai Metro Line 2B was unveiled and a coffee table book prepared by BKC Connect Company on the Pod Taxi project was also released by the Chief Minister.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that the 5.6 km first phase of Metro 2B with five stations has commenced operations from today, and once the remaining two phases are completed, large-scale seamless and fast connectivity will be available in Mumbai. He added that this project will effectively connect East-West and North-South Mumbai, and in the future, seamless travel will be possible up to BKC, Andheri, Bandra and Chembur. Notably, this is the first metro line to connect with the Harbour Line, marking a new chapter in the city’s transport system.

He further stated that all stations in this project are IGBC Platinum rated, with emphasis on energy conservation and maximum use of natural light. The double-decker depot being developed at Mandale is among the largest in the country, with a capacity of 72 lines across two levels.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that with a target of developing a 337 km metro network in Mumbai and the MMR region, nearly 70 lakh passengers will be able to travel daily by metro upon completion, significantly reducing the current burden of 90 lakh passengers on suburban railways.

On this occasion, the innovative last-mile connectivity project ‘Pod Taxi’ was also e-launched in the BKC area. Through this automated system, passengers will be able to reach within 100–150 metres of their destination, helping reduce traffic congestion in BKC.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said the project will be implemented on a BOT basis, with a target to complete the first phase within 20 months. He instructed all concerned agencies to ensure smooth execution without any obstacles. He also appreciated and thanked the engineers, workers, contractors and the entire MMRDA team for their contribution to the project.

A Historic Step to Reduce Traffic Congestion – Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that Metro 2B is an important line connecting East-West and North-South Mumbai, and for the first time, the Harbour Line will get direct metro connectivity.

He added that this project will ensure seamless integration between Metro 1, Metro 3, Metro 4, Western Railway, Monorail and the Harbour Line. The first phase of the project, out of a total cost of approximately ₹10,986 crore, is valued at ₹3,225 crore, with the Mandale depot being its backbone.

Spread over approximately 30.45 hectares, this depot will be one of the largest metro depots in the country. The project is also an excellent example of green mobility, with all stations receiving IGBC Green Platinum ratings.

He noted that the metro line will significantly reduce travel time, contribute to fuel savings and help control pollution, while offering citizens a more comfortable, fast and safe travel option.

The Metro 2B project will be completed in three phases, with the entire corridor targeted to be operational by March 2027. He expressed confidence that this project will create a robust multi-modal transport system in Mumbai and significantly reduce congestion once the 337 km metro network is completed.

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde also said that the foundation of the country’s first Pod Taxi project has been laid, which will strengthen last-mile connectivity. The project will be developed on the lines of similar systems in Dubai and London.

He further stated that such projects are being implemented under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make Mumbai a global financial hub, and that the state government is executing development works at a rapid pace.

He added that various infrastructure projects in Mumbai and the MMR region will ensure holistic development of the city and strengthen public transport.

On this occasion, dignitaries travelled by metro from Deshbhakt N.G. Acharya Garden – Diamond Garden Metro Station in Chembur to Deonar Metro Station.