The Mumbai local train map looks different from the metro maps most people are familiar with. There is no neat loop. Lines run in parallel and branch at the ends. Some stations are shown differently from others. And there are alphanumeric codes next to station names that make no sense until someone explains them.
This guide explains every element of the V9 Mumbai Transit Map.
The lines and their colours
Each rail system on the V9 map is shown in a distinct colour:
Western Line: The long corridor running north to south on the western side — Churchgate to Virar and Dahanu Road.
Central Line: Runs from CSMT east and north, branching into the Main Line (Kasara/Karjat/Khopoli) and connecting to the Harbour Line.
Harbour Line: CSMT southeast to Panvel via Kurla and Vashi. The Trans-Harbour Line (Thane to Panvel) is shown as a cross-link.
Mumbai Metro Lines: Each shown in a distinct colour — Blue (Line 1), Yellow (Line 2A), Red (Line 7), Aqua/teal (Line 3), and others. Interchange stations where metro meets local train are clearly marked.
Mumbai Monorail: The short corridor from Chembur to Jacob’s Circle (Mahalaxmi area).
Proposed and under-construction lines appear in lighter or dashed styles — do not plan journeys on these yet.
Fast vs slow station markers
Not all stations receive the same service — this is the most important thing to understand when reading the map.
On the Western and Central Lines, stations where fast trains stop are shown with a larger circle or filled marker. Stations served only by slow trains use a smaller mark.
Before travelling, check whether your origin and destination both get fast-train service. If your destination is a slow-only station, you must board a slow train.
Station codes
Every Mumbai suburban station has an alphanumeric code (e.g. A3, C7) — the letter indicates the line, the number indicates position from the terminus.
The index edition of the V9 map lists all stations alphabetically with their grid code. Find your station in the list, note the code, go directly to that grid square on the map. No scanning needed.
Interchange symbols
Where two or more lines meet at the same station, the map shows an interchange marker — a larger circle, double ring, or connecting lines. This means changing lines is possible here.
Key interchange points: Andheri (Western + Metro 1, 2A, 7), Dadar (Western + Central), CSMT (Central + Harbour + Metro 3), Thane (Central + Trans-Harbour), Ghatkopar (Central + Metro 1), Kurla (Harbour + Metro 3).
The map is a schematic, not a geographic map
The V9 map deliberately distorts geographic distances to make the network readable. Station spacing is more even than actual distances. The coastline and creek are simplified.
Think of it as a diagram of connections — it answers “how do I get from station A to station B,” not “where exactly is this station relative to that building.”
Latest Mumbai Schematic transit map
Download the V9 map free .
FAQ
Q: What do the different circle sizes mean on the Mumbai transit map?
A: Larger circles indicate major stations — fast-train halts or interchange points. Smaller marks indicate slow-service-only stations.
Q: What do the letters and numbers next to station names mean?
A: Alphanumeric grid codes. Letter = the line, number = position on that line. Use the alphabetical index on the V9 map to find any station’s code instantly.
Q: Why does the Mumbai train map look different from a metro map?
A: Mumbai’s network is a suburban railway — it uses parallel corridors and branching routes rather than a loop-and-interchange metro design.
Q: Why are some lines shown as dashed?
A: Dashed lines indicate proposed or under-construction routes. Shown for planning reference only — do not plan journeys on them.
Q: How do I find a specific station on the map quickly?
A: Use the index edition of the V9 map. Find the station alphabetically, note the grid code, go to that square. Takes seconds.
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