MMRDA expands Metro Line 5 to 34.21 km linking Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Ulhasnagar

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority MMRDA on Thursday announced that the expanded Metro Line 5 corridor will now span 3421 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 UlhasnagarAccording to MMRDA the original 2238km Metro Line 5 project has been extended by an additional 1183 km through Metro Line 5A The total estimated cost of the expanded corridor has been pegged at Rs 18130 crorePhase 1 nears CMRS inspectionMMRDA 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 yearMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the corridor would significantly strengthen transport infrastructure in Bhiwandi and the KalyanDombivli region which are among the key economic centres in the MMRMetro Line 5 is a critical intervention for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region especially for Bhiwandi and the KalyanndashDombivli belt which are among the most important economic centres of the region Bhiwandi home to one of Asiarsquos largest textile and warehousing hubs and the KalyanndashDombivli region with a population of over 35 lakh require fast highcapacity 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 saidMaharashtra 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 MMRIt 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 Bhiwandimdashone of Asiarsquos largest textile and warehousing hubsmdashand the densely populated KalyanndashDombivli 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 saidMMRDA 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 lsquoMumbai in Minutesrsquo initiative by reducing travel time across the regionMetro 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 lsquoMumbai in Minutesrsquo vision by significantly reducing travel time across the region Mukherjee saidCorridor to be developed in three phasesThe project has been divided into three phasesPhase 1 stretching 119 km between Thane and Dhamankar Naka will include six stations mdash Balkhum Kasheli Kalher Purna Anjurphata and Dhamankar Naka The estimated cost of this phase is Rs 6741 crore MMRDA said work at the Kasheli Metro Car Depot including ground improvement and depot infrastructure development is progressing steadilyPhase 2 will cover a 1048km stretch from Dhamankar Naka to Durgadi with six stations including one underground station at Bhiwandi The estimated cost of this phase is Rs 7326 croreMetro Line 5A the newly approved extension will connect Durgadi Khadakpada Bhoirwadi and Kalyan with a spur route extending to Ulhasnagar The 1183km elevated corridor will have seven stations and is estimated to cost Rs 4063 croreInterchange facilities and reduced travel timeMMRDA 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 UlhasnagarThe authority said feeder bus services would be introduced across all stations to strengthen lastmile connectivity The corridor will also improve access to key highways including NH160 NH61 and NH848According to MMRDA the metro corridor is expected to reduce travel time by 40 to 50 per cent compared to roadbased transport while also easing congestion on major roads and highways The project is also expected to support Bhiwandirsquos industrial ecosystem and reduce dependence on private vehicles contributing to lower carbon emissions and improved air quality