The Maharashtra government has given its approval for a significant expansion of the Mumbai Metro network, greenlighting a combined project for Metro Line 5 and the new Metro Line 5A. This development, with an estimated cost of ₹18,130.55 crore, will create a 34.2-kilometer metro corridor spanning across the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan-Ulhasnagar belt. The decision aims to enhance regional connectivity and provide a much-needed alternative for commuters in these rapidly growing areas of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Metro Line 5, originally approved in October 2017, was planned as a 24.9-kilometer fully elevated corridor with 17 stations connecting Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan. The project is being implemented in two phases. The first phase, a 11.9-kilometer stretch with six stations between Thane and Bhiwandi, is nearing completion. This segment has progressed relatively quickly due to fewer rehabilitation and resettlement challenges.
However, the second phase, covering the 10.475-kilometer stretch with six stations from Bhiwandi to Kalyan, has encountered significant delays. These delays are attributed to encroachments that necessitated large-scale demolition drives by the Bhiwandi municipal corporation. Furthermore, the alignment for this phase has undergone multiple design changes and cost revisions. A portion of the alignment between Durgadi and Kalyan was converted from elevated to underground in June 2023, leading to a cost escalation of ₹1,427 crore. A subsequent review in June 2025 further modified the design, with the state deciding to make certain sections partially underground between Dhamankar Naka and Temghar, increasing the estimated cost for this phase to ₹7,326.13 crore.
In a key shift from the original plan, the alignment of Metro Line 5 has been curtailed and will now terminate at Durgadi instead of extending further to Kalyan. To maintain connectivity to Kalyan and beyond, authorities have introduced Metro Line 5A as a continuation of the network. The 11.83-kilometer Line 5A will extend from Durgadi, passing through Aadharwadi and Khadakpada, to Kalyan, with a further extension planned towards Ulhasnagar. This new corridor will feature seven stations and is estimated to cost around ₹4,063 crore.
Together, Metro Line 5 and 5A will form an integrated system comprising 19 stations, including an interchange at Durgadi. The project also incorporates a significant engineering feature: an integrated double-decker structure comprising a flyover and metro line between Ranjnoli Junction and Durgadi Chowk. This design aims to optimize space usage and alleviate congestion in the busy Bhiwandi stretch.
The expansion and integration of these metro lines are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity across the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan-Ulhasnagar belt. Officials estimate that the combined corridor will benefit approximately 6.9 million residents. Once operational, the metro lines are projected to reduce travel times by an estimated 40–50%, offering a more efficient and reliable mode of public transportation for daily commuters. The project also aims to bolster economic activity and improve access to residential and commercial hubs within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
