Mumbaikars, we come bearing good news! Mumbai’s east-west connectivity is set to improve as the Metro Line 2B extension from Diamond Garden to Chembur Naka, the SCLR extension up to the Western Express Highway (WEH) are now open to the public. The authorities also launched the Arjun tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the second Thane-Borivali tunnel. Scroll on to know more about this.
Mumbai Metro Line 2B, SCLR Extension Open
According to Hindustan Times, the projects were inaugurated in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) chairman Eknath Shinde, along with senior government officials.
The Metro Line 2B stretch from Diamond Garden to Chembur Naka and the SCLR extension up to the Western Express Highway are now open to the public. The Arjun tunnel boring machine (TBM) was also launched to begin work on the second tunnel of the Borivali-Thane twin-tunnel project.
According to MMRDA officials, the projects are expected to improve east-west connectivity and reduce travel time on some of Mumbai’s busiest routes. The Metro Line 2B extension will bring the corridor closer to Chembur’s suburban railway and monorail networks, allowing commuters to switch between the three modes of transport more easily.
Also Read: Mumbai Metro To Add More Trains Between Andheri And Ghatkopar From August 10
MMR To Get 60-70 Km More Lines This Year
The final 1.40-km elevated stretch of the SCLR, connecting the Bharat Nagar Road-Mumbai University area to Vakola Junction, is also expected to improve connectivity to the Bandra Kurla Complex and Mumbai airport. With the entire 10.30-km integrated SCLR network now operational, traffic around Kalina, Vakola and Kalanagar is expected to ease, HT reported.
Now, coming to the bit that got us all excited – CM Fadnavis also said that new metro routes covering 60-70 kilometres are likely to become operational across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region this year. These will further strengthen the city’s public transport network and make daily commutes much more convenient.
Also Read: Mumbai Metro Line 5 Set For ₹18,130 Cr Expansion; New Corridor To Link Thane, Bhiwandi & Kalyan
Let us know your thoughts about these projects in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
How will the Metro Line 2B extension benefit commuters?
The extension will bring the metro closer to suburban rail and monorail networks, making it easier for commuters to switch between different modes of transport.
What is the Borivali-Thane tunnel project?
It is a twin-tunnel road project aimed at improving connectivity between Borivali and Thane and reducing travel time between the two areas.
How many new metro routes are expected to become operational in Mumbai this year?
According to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, metro routes spanning around 60-70 kilometres are likely to become operational across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region this year.
