In a major relief to daily commuters, the trial run for a section of Mumbai Metro Line 2B, also known as the Yellow Line, commenced on Wednesday. This route covers a 5.5 km distance between the Mandale car shed in Mankhurd and Diamond Garden in Chembur. Through Metro 2B, Mankhurd and Chembur residents will soon have faster and more hassle-free connectivity to the broader Metro network.
According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the segment will have five stations namely Mandale, Mankhurd, BSNL, Shivaji Chowk, and Diamond Garden. Civil and electrical works, including overhead wiring, has reportedly been completed, after which the operational trials commenced. Comprehensive static and dynamic testing of key systems, such as braking, acceleration, signalling, telecommunications, and energy usage will be checked through this trial run.
The new trains on the route are indigenously built by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), consisting six-coach rakes with energy-efficient regenerative braking, mobile charging points, IP-based audio announcements, surveillance systems, and even bicycle space. Mandale depot, the operational hub for the line, is also under construction.
What is being checked through trial run of Yellow Line?
If the preliminary test runs bear satisfactory results, then the Indian Railways’ Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) team will certify the system for the next step, which is calling the Independent Safety Assessor. The assessor’s task is to ensure the technical and operational soundness of all the systems are as per the safety guidelines. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety will then inspect the system and, if satisfied, certify it as fit to run for Mumbai’s citizens.
Two phases of Mumbai Metro 2 line
The Mumbai Metro 2 line, which will connect Mumbai’s western and eastern suburbs, has been split into two phases: 2A (Dahisar to DN Nagar) and 2B (DN Nagar to Mandale). The 23.64-km 2A line is already operational. The 23.64-km-long corridor under Metro Line 2B will eventually connect DN Nagar in Andheri (western suburbs) to Mandale near Mankhurd (eastern suburbs). The line is part of the larger plan to expand Mumbai’s metro network.
Metro 2B will be launched in phases. While the Mandale to Diamond Garden section will be ready for public use by December, the opening of the Diamond Gardento DN Nagar portion has been rescheduled from December 2025 to early 2026.
