According to the Authority, the original 22.38-kilometre Metro Line 5 project has been extended by an additional 11.83 kilometres through Metro Line 5A. The total estimated cost of the expanded corridor stands at Rs 18,130 crore.
Phase 1 of the project, which connects Thane and Dhamankar Naka, is now approaching the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety inspection stage. The Authority has indicated that this initial phase is expected to be commissioned by the end of the year.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the corridor will significantly strengthen transport infrastructure in the Bhiwandi and Kalyan-Dombivli region, both of which are key economic centres within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. He emphasized that Bhiwandi, a major textile and warehousing hub in Asia, along with the densely populated Kalyan-Dombivli belt, requires high-capacity, rapid connectivity to unlock economic potential and improve mobility for large populations. He added that Phase 1 is expected to open to the public by the end of the year.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority Chairman Eknath Shinde said the expanded corridor would play a crucial role in connecting industrial and residential clusters across the eastern corridor of the region. He noted that Metro Line 5, spanning over 34 kilometres, will serve Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, and Ulhasnagar, linking major economic and population centres. He further highlighted that the corridor will integrate with suburban rail and major highways, improving mobility for workers, traders, and citizens while supporting regional economic growth.
Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee stated that construction work under Phase 1 has reached an advanced stage, with station infrastructure progressing steadily. He confirmed that preparations for the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety inspection are underway, marking a critical milestone toward commissioning. He also said the corridor will contribute to the “Mumbai in Minutes” initiative by significantly reducing travel time across the region.
The project has been structured into three phases. Phase 1 spans 11.9 kilometres from Thane to Dhamankar Naka and includes six stations: Balkhum, Kasheli, Kalher, Purna, Anjurphata, and Dhamankar Naka. This phase carries an estimated cost of Rs 6,741 crore. Construction work at the Kasheli Metro Car Depot, including ground improvement and depot infrastructure development, is progressing steadily.
Phase 2 will extend 10.48 kilometres from Dhamankar Naka to Durgadi, incorporating six stations, including one underground station at Bhiwandi. This phase is estimated to cost Rs 7,326 crore.
Metro Line 5A, the newly approved extension, will connect Durgadi, Khadakpada, Bhoirwadi, and Kalyan, with a spur line extending to Ulhasnagar. This 11.83-kilometre elevated corridor will include seven stations and is estimated at Rs 4,063 crore.
The corridor has been designed as an integrated transit system with interchange connectivity to Metro Line 4 at Balkhum and Metro Line 12 at Kalyan Junction. It will also provide access to suburban railway stations including Thane, Kalyan, and Vitthalwadi suburban railway stations. Feeder bus services will be introduced at all stations to strengthen last-mile connectivity, while the corridor will improve access to major highways including NH-160, NH-61, and NH-848.
Authorities estimate that Metro Line 5 will reduce travel time by 40 to 50 percent compared to road transport, while easing congestion across major routes. The project is also expected to support the industrial ecosystem of Bhiwandi, reduce dependence on private vehicles, and contribute to lower carbon emissions and improved air quality, marking a significant step in sustainable urban mobility development.
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