MMRDA Installs Massive 252-Ton Steel Span Over Central Railway Tracks, Boosting Mumbai Metro Line 2B Progress

Overnight Engineering Operation Marks Major Milestone for Mumbai Metro Expansion

Mumbai’s metro network reached another major construction milestone as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) successfully installed the first composite steel span for Metro Line 2B across the Central Railway corridor between Kurla and Vidyavihar.

The overnight operation showcased advanced engineering and careful coordination, helping move one of Mumbai’s most important metro projects closer to completion.

54-Metre Steel Structure Installed During Limited Railway Shutdown

The installation took place during a scheduled two-hour railway traffic block between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM on June 14 along the busy CSMT-Panvel rail route.

The newly installed structure measures 54.25 meters in length and weighs approximately 252 metric tonnes. Built using four composite steel girders, the span will support a key section of the elevated Metro Line 2B corridor.

Officials said the operation was completed successfully within the permitted time window without affecting regular railway services.

Heavy-Duty Cranes and Large Workforce Enabled Precision Execution

To complete the challenging task, MMRDA deployed two 500-metric-ton hydraulic cranes working together to lift and position the steel structure. An additional standby crane remained available throughout the process to ensure operational safety.

The execution involved nearly 30 engineers and technical specialists, supported by around 100 workers.

According to project officials, the launch followed months of engineering design, fabrication, testing, safety checks, and coordination with railway authorities. All required approvals and permissions were secured before construction began.

Metro Line 2B Set to Strengthen East-West Connectivity in Mumbai

Metro Line 2B is designed to connect D N Nagar in Andheri to Mandale in Mankhurd, creating a major east-west transit route across Mumbai.

Once fully completed, the corridor is expected to improve travel times and strengthen public transport access across the eastern suburbs. Currently, Phase 1 of the line covering a 4.5-kilometer stretch between Diamond Garden in Chembur and Mandale is already operational.

MMRDA Highlights Infrastructure Capability and Safety Standards

MMRDA stated that the successful steel span installation demonstrates the level of engineering precision required to deliver large infrastructure projects in highly populated urban areas.

The authority also recognized the support provided by Central Railway and associated agencies in completing the operation smoothly.

With this milestone achieved, construction activity on Metro Line 2B is expected to gain momentum, bringing Mumbai one step closer to expanding its metro network and improving urban mobility.