MUMBAI (Metro Rail News): Mumbai Metro Line 5 has become one of the longest metro corridors in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) after authorities approved its latest extension. The project now stretches 34.21 km and will connect key areas such as Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Dombivali and Ulhasnagar.
At the same time, work on the first phase has entered an important stage. The project team is now preparing for the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) inspection, which is required before passenger services can begin.
Corridor length increases after new extension
Metro Line 5 originally covered 22.38 km between Thane and Kalyan. With the approval of the new Metro Line 5A extension, the corridor will gain another 11.83 km, taking the total length to 34.21 km. The expanded project will cost around Rs 18,130 crore and will improve connectivity across some of the fastest growing parts of the MMR.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the corridor will play a major role in improving travel for people living in Bhiwandi and the Kalyan-Dombivali region. He also mentioned that Bhiwandi is one of Asia’s largest textile and warehousing hubs, which requires better transport infrastructure to support its economic activity. The Kalyan-Dombivli region is also home to more than 35 lakh people. It is also expected to benefit from faster and more reliable public transport. Fadnavis expressed confidence that phase 1 could open for commuters by the end of this year.
Phase 1 nears safety inspection
The first Phase of Metro Line 5 runs between Thane and Dhamaknagar Naka and covers 11.9 km.
Phase-1 station
- Balkhum
- Kasheli
- Kalher
- Purna
- Anjurphata
- Dhamankar Naka
Construction teams are also making progress at the Kasheli Metro Depot. Work includes ground improvement, inspection facilities and the Depot Control Centre. MMRDA Metropolitan commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee said station construction has reached an advanced stage and officials are preparing for the CMRS inspection and the line will play an important role in the agency’s “Mumbai in Minutes” mobility vision once operational.
Project Snapshot
| Phase | Route | Length | Stations | Cost |
| Phase-1 | Thane to Dhamankar Naka | 11.9 km | 6 | Rs 6,741 crore |
| Phase-2 | Dhamankar Naka to Durgadi | 10.48 km | 6 (1 underground, 5 elevated) | Rs 7,326 crore |
| Phase 5A | Durgadi to Kalyan with Ulhasnagar Spur | 11.83 km | 7 | Rs 4,063 crore |
The phase 2 section will include an underground station at Bhiwandi and Five elevated stations extending towards Durgadi. The newly approved Phase 5A extension will add stations at Durgadi, Khadakpada, Bhoirwadi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Path, Shanti Nagar, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk and Ulhasnagar. A dedicated spur from Bhoirwadi will provide direct metro access to Ulhasnagar.
Designed as an Integrated Transport Corridor
Metro Line 5 has been planned with multiple interchange and connectivity points to support seamless travel across the region. Key integration points include,
- Interchange with Metro Line 4 at Balkhum (Kapurbawadi)
- Interchange with Metro Line 12 at Kalyan Junction
- Connectivity to suburban railway stations at Thane, Kalyan, Vitthalwadi and Ulhasnagar
- Feeder bus services planned across stations
- Access to major highways including NH-160, NH-61 and NH-848
Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde said the corridor will strengthen links between Bhiwandi’s textile and warehousing sector and the rapidly growing Kalyan-Dombivli urban belt, creating a major mobility spine in eastern MMR.
Expected Benefits
According to project estimates, the corridor could cut travel times by 40-50% compared to road journeys on several stretches. Other expected benefits include,
- Reduced traffic congestion on key roads and highways
- Better access to industrial and logistics hubs in Bhiwandi
- Improved connectivity between residential and employment centres
- Stronger links with suburban rail and future metro corridors
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