Completion Timeline of Mumbai Metro: A Comprehensive Overview

As of August 2023, the completion timeline for the Mumbai Metro projects varies by line. With significant progress reported for certain sections, the overall metro network, encompassing multiple lines, is projected to extend into the mid-2020s.

Progress and Expectations

Most projects are progressing slowly but are expected to be completed within the next 1–2 years. Local news sources and official announcements from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) or the Maharashtra government are recommended for the most accurate and up-to-date information. You can also track the progress of various lines on specific YouTube channels.

Status of Each Line

Metro Line 1: Versova - Ghatkopar

Metro Line 1, which is 337 km long and divided into 14 lines, started construction in 2012 and was operational in 2014. It was built using a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and managed by Reliance, with contractor Simplex. Despite a 30-month contract, the line faced significant delays due to the PPP model and limited private partner involvement. Liaisoning with different government bodies and obtaining necessary approvals was the most challenging part.

Metro Line 2A and 6: DN Nagar to Dahisar and Swami Samarthnagar to Kanjurmarg

Metro Line 2A and 6 are both being constructed on a turnkey basis by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Metro Line 2A commenced construction in late 2016 and is now in its final stages with trial runs underway. It is expected to be operational by mid-2022. Metro Line 6 construction started in 2017 and will be ready for trial runs by the end of 2022.

Metro Line 3: Colaba to Seepz

Metro Line 3 is the first fully underground metro corridor in India and is being built by MMRCL, an SPV made between the Central Government and the Government of Maharashtra with 50% stake each. Construction began in 2016 and was initially projected to be completed by 2021. However, delays due to various reasons, such as land acquisition, India-Russia railway delays, approval delays, protests, PILs (public interest litigation), etc., have impacted the progress. As of now, 94% of tunneling work and 70% of station work is completed, and operations are not expected to start before 2023 due to depot issues at Aarey.

Metro Line 2B: DN Nagar to Mandale

Metro Line 2B, also constructed by MMRDA, commenced in 2018. The primary contractors were Simplex NCC and RCC-MBZ JV, but because of slow progress, Simplex and RCC-MBZ were debarded. As of now, only the NCC package has shown some progress. Given the slow progress and numerous protests from celebrities and public figures, the line is not expected to be operational before 2024.

Metro Line 7: Dahisar to Andheri E

Metro Line 7, also managed by MMRDA, will run mostly along the Western Express Highway. Construction began in 2016, with Simplex, JKIL, and NCC as the primary contractors. After the debardment of Simplex, the contract was given to JKIL and NCC. The full line operations are expected to start by the end of 2022.

Metro Line 4: Wadala to Kasarvadavali

Metro Line 4, which is expected to run mostly along the Eastern Express Highway, was started in 2018 and is being constructed by MMRDA. The contractors are M/s TATA, M/s Reliance, and JKIL. TATAs progress is considered good, and the line will be operational by 2023, albeit partially.

Metro Line 5: Thane to Kalyan via Bhiwandi

The construction of Metro Line 5, which would connect Thane to Kalyan via Bhiwandi, had its first phase starting in late 2019. Due to land issues in Bhiwandi and along the alignment, the second part of the DPR (Detailed Project Report) is still in progress. The project is facing significant challenges due to these issues.

For the latest updates on each line, consult local news sources and official announcements from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) or the Maharashtra government.