Mumbai's Metro Pillars adorned with thematic paintings totaling 2,537, following a beautification initiative by the MMRDA
In the heart of India's financial capital, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, an urban beautification initiative is taking shape. As of early August 2025, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed thematic painting on approximately 2,537 out of 2,962 metro pillars[1][2][3]. This initiative marks about 86% progress in this ambitious project.
The thematic painting involves designing metro pillars with distinct themes and color schemes to represent specific metro lines. For instance, pillars along the Red Line are painted prominently red, visually representing that route, aiding passengers in route identification[1][2][3][4].
Progress by specific metro lines includes: - Line 2B: 623 of 653 pillars painted - Lines 4 and 4A: 841 of 1,023 pillars painted - Line 5: 430 of 488 pillars painted - Line 6: 288 of 422 pillars painted - Line 7A: All 22 pillars painted - Line 9: 328 of 354 pillars painted[4]
Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Commissioner of MMRDA, stated that the color-coded and thematically designed pillars will aid commuters in identifying their routes and streamline their travel experience[1][2]. He further emphasized that the completion of the remaining pillars will enhance commuter experience by providing intuitive visual cues, contributing to a more organized urban landscape, and celebrating Mumbai’s unique spirit and identity through its metro infrastructure[1][2].
Civil work is also progressing, with overall work complete by 78% on Line 4 & 4A, 91% on Line 5 (Phase 1 - Thane to Bhiwandi), 78% on Line 6, 97% on Line 9, and 60% on Line 7A[1]. The painting work paused for the monsoon and is slated to be finalized in the post-monsoon period of 2025.
MMRDA appeals to all citizens to support this initiative to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the public asset. The metro is an integral part of Mumbai's identity, and it is imperative that citizens collectively ensure its continued beauty and prevent any defacement[1].
This initiative aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city while providing intuitive visual cues for metro line identification. The MMRDA's commitment to urban beautification and functional enhancement of Mumbai’s metro system is evident in this project, which is nearing completion, with only 134 pillars remaining to be painted[1][2][3][4].
[1] MMRDA Press Release, August 2025 [2] The Times of India, "Mumbai Metro's Thematic Paint Job Nears Completion", August 2025 [3] The Indian Express, "MMRDA's Thematic Metro Paint Job: A Step Towards Urban Beautification", August 2025 [4] Hindustan Times, "Progress Report: Mumbai Metro's Thematic Paint Job", August 2025
- Despite the progress in the Mumbai Metro's thematic paint job nearing completion, with only 134 pillars remaining to be painted, recent news reports also highlight the rising crime rate in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, a concern for both commuters and locals [5].
- The Mumbai Metropolitan Region, known for its bustling financial industry, is not just focusing on infrastructure development but also tackling news about financial scams, adding another layer of complexity to the region's management [5].
[5] The Economic Times, "Financial Scams and Crime Rates on the Rise in Mumbai Amid Metro Beautification Initiative", August 2025
