Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has announced that the first phase of the Mumbai Metro will become operational by September this year.

The first phase comprising Versova-Andheri- Ghatkopar Metro Rail service will be operational by September and the entire phase will be open within this year. Chavan said that the passenger services will begin in September and the entire stretch of 11.4 kilometres will be operational by December. He was speaking at an event to flag off first safety trial run of the metro rail.

The first phase comprising Versova to Saki Naka have seven stations. The first phase is being constructed by Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Reliance Infrastructure under public-private participation mode. The work on the project had begun in February 2008 to ease congestion on the city's overcrowded local train network and provide easy connectivity to more access areas.

He said that the metro officials are working to obtain all necessary safety certifications and the services will began once all permissions are granted. He also said that the work on the Navi Mumbai Metro project has also begun and the services are likely to become operational this year.