Mumbai: The first phase of Metro Line 9 between Kashigaon and Dahisar is likely to be inaugurated on April 3, with final approval awaited from the state government. The event is also expected to include the bhoomipujan of a Pod Taxi system in BKC and the launch of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for the Thane–Borivali tunnel project.The 4.5-km elevated Metro stretch has completed trials and received key safety clearances, while the Golden Nest flyover — which had drawn criticism over lane narrowing — is also slated to be opened for motorists.The development gained traction after Bhayander MLA Narendra Mehta shared a video indicating that the Metro line could be opened soon. However, officials from Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority said the date is not yet final. “We have requested the date and are awaiting approval,” said an official.The inauguration is expected to be attended by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar. Metro Line 9 is an extension of the operational Metro Line 7 (Dahisar–Gundavli). Commuters from Mira Road will be able to travel directly to Gundavli without changing trains, as the corridor seamlessly merges at Dahisar, providing a continuous link up to Andheri East.Passengers heading towards the western suburbs can interchange at Dahisar to Metro Line 2A to reach Andheri West, which connects with DN Nagar metro station on Metro Line 1 for onward travel towards Versova and Ghatkopar.The Phase I stretch includes four stations — Dahisar (East), Pandurang Wadi, Miragaon and Kashigaon — serving the growing Mira-Bhayandar region.The controversial Golden Nest Junction flyover, which became a talking point due to narrowing of lanes, is also set to open.The Pod Taxi project in BKC, estimated at Rs 1,016 crore under a PPP model, will span 8.8 km with 38 stations, using pods carrying 3–6 passengers.Meanwhile, the 11.8-km Thane–Borivli twin tunnel project will see the launch of TBMs, with the corridor expected to cut travel time to around 15 minutes.
