Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) commuters got a major infrastructure push ahead of Diwali as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) issued tenders worth Rs 4,564 crore for next phases of Metro Line 5 and its extension Metro Line 5A.
The expansion is expected to improve connectivity between Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar so that residents have better public transport options.
One of the major highlights is the double-decker transport corridor proposed for Ulhasnagar which will merge Metro infrastructure with a road flyover.
The news will be welcome for commuters who travel through the eastern suburbs of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) where traffic congestion and population growth have put pressure on existing transport infrastructure.
Metro Line 5 expansion gathers pace
Metro Line 5 connects Thane, Bhiwandi and Kalyan. The first phase of the metro line links Kapurbawdi in Thane with Dhamankar Naka in Bhiwandi and later phases will connect Kalyan as well.
The second phase will be about 10.48 km long between Dhamankar Naka and Durgadi in Kalyan. The project cost for this section is Rs 7326 crore.
The project will have an elevated infrastructure as well as underground stretch between Dhamankar Naka and Temghar to overcome space crunch and existing infra problems in Bhiwandi.
The tenders issued by MMRDA are for major civil construction works like viaducts, stations and infrastructure etc.
Metro 5A to connect Kalyan and Ulhasnagar
Metro Line 5A will further extend the network to Kalyan and Ulhasnagar.
The proposed 11.82 km extension will cost about Rs 4,063 crore and have seven stations. The corridor will start from Bhoirwadi and there will be separate stretches towards Kalyan and Ulhasnagar.
The expansion is expected to improve connectivity of residential and commercial areas which are heavily reliant on road transport and suburban railway services.
For Ulhasnagar residents, the extension could mean travelling towards neighbouring urban centres was easier and better access to the wider Mumbai Metro network.
Ulhasnagar to get a double-decker corridor
Another major aspect of the project is the double-decker transport infrastructure proposed.
The plan is to combine the Metro corridor with a road flyover so different transport facilities can operate at different levels. This should make better use of limited urban space but also meet growing traffic demands.
The infrastructure proposed here is critical for Ulhasnagar where traffic congestion is becoming a major problem.
Double decker design is supposed to increase road connectivity and provide space for Metro operations so that separate infrastructure corridors may not be required.
What it means for commuters
Once complete, the expanded Metro network will connect Thane Bhiwandi Kalyan Ulhasnagar.
These projects could provide commuters with an alternative to crowded roads, access to employment centres and links with other Metro corridors and the Central Railway network.
However, tender issuance does not mean construction is finished or passenger services are started immediately. Contractors will be selected first then construction and other implementation stages.
The tender schedule published states that bids are due by 30 November 2026 and opening will take place on 2 December.
For thousands of commuters in Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Rs 4564-crore tender announcement is an important step towards better public transport connectivity over the next few years.
Comments