August 5, 2025: The Mumbai Metro-5, also known as the Orange Line, is set to significantly improve suburban connectivity by linking Thane, Bhiwandi and Kalyan, offering major relief to office-goers travelling to the city.Metro-5 will run 24.9 km, comprising an elevated corridor and a 3-km underground section through Bhiwandi to minimise displacement.
The line will feature 15 stations, including Kapurbawadi (Thane), Balkum Naka, Kasheli, Kalher, Purna, Anjurphata, Dhamankar Naka, Bhiwandi, Gopal Nagar, Temghar, Rajnouli, Gove Gaon, Kon Gaon, Kalyan Station and Kalyan APMC Market. Originally estimated at Rs 8,416 cr, the cost rose by Rs 1,727 crore due to the underground stretch. The project is funded by MMRDA with support from international agencies such as AIIB and OPEC.
Phase 1 (Kapurbawadi-Dhamankar Naka, 12.81 km) is 99% complete and expected to open by late 2025. Phase 2 (Bhiwandi-Kalyan) has been delayed due to tunnelling and rehabilitation issues and may be ready by 2027.Designed for six-coach trains carrying up to 1,756 passengers, Metro-5 is projected to serve over three lakh commuters daily by 2031. Operating hours are likely to be 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, with trains every 5-7 minutes during peak hours. Travel time between Thane and Kalyan could reduce by up to 75%, cutting a road journey of 60-80 minutes to just 20-30 minutes.
The line will connect with Metro Line 4 at Kapurbawadi and Line 12 at Kalyan, as well as Central Railway at Kalyan station, enabling seamless transfers. Future plans include an extension towards Ulhasnagar and Ambernath. By easing congestion, reducing pollution and improving reliability, Metro-5 is poised to transform commuting for thousands in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs.
Source: News 18
