The first day of operations for two newly launched Mumbai Metro corridors produced sharply different commuter responses, with Metro Line 9 witnessing strong passenger turnout while Metro Line 2B saw limited ridership.
Both corridors were partially inaugurated on the afternoon of 7 April by CM Devendra Fadnavis, although the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had secured statutory safety approvals more than three months earlier.
On Mumbai Metro Line 2B, trains largely ran with very few passengers throughout the day.
The currently operational 5.38 km section offers a suburban rail interchange only at Mankhurd railway station, which officials say has limited the corridor's immediate usefulness.
Metro services on this stretch run every nine and a half minutes, with about 209 trips scheduled daily.
MMRDA officials indicated that ridership is expected to improve once the line extends to Chembur Naka, where it will connect with the Mumbai Monorail.
In contrast, commuters in the western suburbs turned out in large numbers for Mumbai Metro Line 9, which functions as an extension of Mumbai Metro Line 7.
However, the new service has affected local transport operators. Share-cab and autorickshaw drivers who previously ferried commuters between Mira-Bhayandar and Dahisar East reported fewer passengers, prompting some to shift operations to the Kashigaon metro station.
Commuters also pointed out early operational gaps, including limited seating on platforms, few dustbins and the absence of convenience stores at concourse levels.
The combined 19.79 km Metro 7-9 corridor is scheduled to run 276 trips on weekdays, with peak-hour services every five and a half minutes. Ticket sales at Dahisar East station were highest for Kashigaon and lowest for Pandurangwadi.