The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed thematic painting on 2,537 out of 2,962 metro pillars across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), marking 86% progress in its urban beautification and public convenience initiative.
The project aims to enhance the city’s visual landscape and simplify commuter navigation by using line-specific designs and colour schemes on metro infrastructure.
“The metro system, as a vibrant artery reflecting the very soul of Mumbai, is more than just a mode of transport. This thematic pillar beautification drive is a testament to our commitment to holistic urban development. It’s about weaving the city’s identity into its infrastructure, ensuring that every journey is not just efficient but also an immersive experience that celebrates our progress and our unique spirit,” said Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, and Chairman, MMRDA.
Each metro corridor is being assigned a distinct theme, such as red for the Red Line, with corresponding pillar designs intended to provide intuitive visual cues to passengers, according to MMRDA.
This approach is designed to make it easier for commuters to instantly recognise the metro route associated with a particular stretch of the city. The remaining 425 pillars are scheduled to be painted after the monsoon season.
According to officials, the dual goal is to improve Mumbai’s urban aesthetics and offer a more navigable environment for commuters using the metro system.
As per the data shared by MMRDA, the work spans multiple metro corridors in different stages of completion. On Line 2B (D.N. Nagar to Mandale), 623 out of 653 pillars have been painted, achieving 96% of the target, whereas line 4 and 4A (Wadala to Kasarvadavali to Gaimukh) has seen 841 out of 1,023 pillars completed, reaching 82% progress.
Line 5 (Thane to Bhiwandi to Kalyan) has 430 of 488 pillars painted, amounting to 88% completion.
Further, line 6 (Swami Samarth Nagar to Vikhroli) has 288 out of 422 pillars completed, standing at 68% progress. On Line 9 (Dahisar East to Mira Bhayandar), 328 of 354 pillars are completed, a 93% success rate. Line 7A (Andheri East to CSMIA) has achieved 100% completion, with all 22 pillars painted.
MMRDA stated that the project is part of a broader strategy to make urban infrastructure more functional and visually integrated with the cityscape. “This initiative is about blending art with functionality, enabling intuitive identification of metro lines for commuters,” said Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA.
