News Brief
Mumbai Metro Line 2B: Trial Runs Begin On 5.4 Km Mandale-Mankhurd Stretch
Pic Via MMRDA
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Wednesday (16 April) commenced trial runs on the Mandale-Mankhurd stretch of Metro Line 2B Phase 1, Indian Express reported.
The first test run was conducted by running a train carrying MMRDA staff and workers to assess operational readiness.
"The trial run has commenced on the 5.39 km stretch from Mandale Depot to Diamond Garden, covering five stations: Mandale, Mankhurd, BSNL, Shivaji Chowk, and Diamond Garden," MMRDA said in a statement.
"The 98% of the work on this corridor is now complete," it added.
Though trials are underway between Mandale and Diamond Garden section, the complete Yellow Line 2B stretches 23.6 km from Mandale to D N Nagar in Andheri, with 20 stations.
Trials will help in evaluating the performance of systems like tracks, signalling and train operation prior to start of commercial services.
They are used to test communication-based train control (CBTC), telecommunication infrastructure, platform screen doors, and automatic fare collection system.
"The current phase includes crucial testing elements such as: Signalling systems and traction trials, RDSO inspections for rolling stock, CMRS safety inspections and certifications," the MMRDA said.
Full set of clearances are expected in the coming months. Upon completion, the corridor will be approved for public use.
This phase of the line is set to open operations for public by the end of this year, Indian Express reported citing sources.
The new corridor will link key points along V N Purav Marg and Sion-Panvel Highway, saving commuters 15–20 minutes of travel. It will also connect to Mankhurd railway station and later connect to Metro Line 8A.
Metro Line 2B features India’s largest metro depot with a capacity to house 72 trains and will connect key transit systems — including Western and Central Railways, Monorail, Eastern and Western Express Highways, and Metro Lines 2A, 3, and 4.
The Mandale depot, India’s largest, is 98 per cent complete. Covering 31 hectares, it can house 72 metro rakes and features state-of-the-art testing and maintenance infrastructure.
