June 18, 2025: In the wake of a tragic train accident in Mumbra that claimed four lives and left several others injured, pressure has mounted on authorities to reduce the burden on Mumbai’s overstretched suburban rail network. Responding to this, officials have decided to extend Metro Line 5 beyond its originally planned route, offering a much-needed alternative for daily commuters in the eastern suburbs.
Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde recently confirmed that Metro Line 5—which currently connects Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan—will now be extended from Durgadi Naka to Chikhloli Railway Station in Ambernath. The new alignment will follow the Kalyan–Badlapur Road and will enhance connectivity for residents of Ambernath, Ulhasnagar, and adjacent areas. Chikhloli station has been selected as the terminal point due to its strategic location between Ambernath and Ulhasnagar, and it is expected to become a major transit hub linking metro and rail networks.
During a high-level meeting led by MMRDA Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, officials were directed to fast-track the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this extension. The decision was supported by several MLAs and senior infrastructure officials. The extended metro corridor is anticipated to offer a cleaner, quicker, and more fuel-efficient alternative for thousands of daily commuters.
Simultaneously, other infrastructure initiatives in the Kalyan–Ambernath region will be expedited. These include the Kalyan Ring Road project featuring a two-tier corridor at Nevali, a U-type road in East Kalyan for better traffic flow, and an elevated flyover from Palm Resort to Vithalwadi passing over the Waldhuni River. Additionally, the progress of the Navi Mumbai–Badlapur access-controlled corridor is being closely monitored, with directives issued for faster completion.
Together, these measures aim to reduce pressure on Mumbai’s ageing rail system and improve regional mobility.
Source: Times Property
