28 May,2026 01:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The original 22.38-km Metro Line 5 project has been extended by an additional 11.83 km through Metro Line 5A. Pic/MMRDA
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Thursday announced that the expanded Metro Line 5 corridor will now span 34.21 km, making it one of the largest metro corridors in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The development follows the approval of the extended Metro Line 5A section, which will improve connectivity across Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar.
According to MMRDA, the original 22.38-km Metro Line 5 project has been extended by an additional 11.83 km through Metro Line 5A. The total estimated cost of the expanded corridor has been pegged at Rs 18,130 crore.
MMRDA said Phase 1 of the project, connecting Thane and Dhamankar Naka, is progressing towards the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) inspection stage. The authority stated that the first phase is expected to be commissioned by the end of the year.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the corridor would significantly strengthen transport infrastructure in Bhiwandi and the Kalyan-Dombivli region, which are among the key economic centres in the MMR.
"Metro Line 5 is a critical intervention for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, especially for Bhiwandi and the Kalyan-Dombivli belt, which are among the most important economic centres of the region. Bhiwandi, home to one of Asia's largest textile and warehousing hubs, and the Kalyan-Dombivli region with a population of over 35 lakh, require fast, high-capacity connectivity to unlock their full potential. This expanded corridor will seamlessly connect these growth centres with suburban rail and key highways, enabling faster, safer and more efficient mobility for lakhs of citizens. I am confident that Phase 1 will be opened for the public by the end of this year," Fadnavis said.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde said the expanded corridor would play an important role in connecting industrial and residential clusters across the eastern corridor of the MMR.
"It is a matter of great satisfaction that Metro Line 5 is emerging as one of the largest metro corridors in the MMR, spanning over 34 km and serving Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar. This corridor is particularly significant as it connects Bhiwandi - one of Asia's largest textile and warehousing hubs - and the densely populated Kalyan-Dombivli region, creating a powerful mobility link across the eastern corridor. By integrating with suburban rail and major highways, Metro Line 5 will serve lakhs of workers, traders and citizens, and act as a key enabler of regional economic growth," Shinde said.
MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee said infrastructure work under Phase 1 had reached an advanced stage and preparations for CMRS inspection were underway. He added that the corridor would contribute to the âMumbai in Minutes' initiative by reducing travel time across the region.
"Metro Line 5 Phase 1 has reached an advanced stage of execution, with station infrastructure steadily taking shape. We are now preparing for the CMRS inspection, which is a critical milestone towards commissioning. Once operational, the corridor will play a key role in advancing the âMumbai in Minutes' vision by significantly reducing travel time across the region," Mukherjee said.
The project has been divided into three phases.
Phase 1, stretching 11.9 km between Thane and Dhamankar Naka, will include six stations - Balkhum, Kasheli, Kalher, Purna, Anjurphata and Dhamankar Naka. The estimated cost of this phase is Rs 6,741 crore. MMRDA said work at the Kasheli Metro Car Depot, including ground improvement and depot infrastructure development, is progressing steadily.
Phase 2 will cover a 10.48-km stretch from Dhamankar Naka to Durgadi with six stations, including one underground station at Bhiwandi. The estimated cost of this phase is Rs 7,326 crore.
Metro Line 5A, the newly approved extension, will connect Durgadi, Khadakpada, Bhoirwadi and Kalyan, with a spur route extending to Ulhasnagar. The 11.83-km elevated corridor will have seven stations and is estimated to cost Rs 4,063 crore.
MMRDA said Metro Line 5 has been designed as an integrated transit corridor with interchange connectivity to Metro Line 4 at Balkhum and Metro Line 12 at Kalyan Junction. The line will also provide direct access to suburban railway stations including Thane, Kalyan, Vitthalwadi and Ulhasnagar.
The authority said feeder bus services would be introduced across all stations to strengthen last-mile connectivity. The corridor will also improve access to key highways including NH-160, NH-61 and NH-848.
According to MMRDA, the metro corridor is expected to reduce travel time by 40 to 50 per cent compared to road-based transport, while also easing congestion on major roads and highways. The project is also expected to support Bhiwandi's industrial ecosystem and reduce dependence on private vehicles, contributing to lower carbon emissions and improved air quality.
