The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has taken another step towards expanding the Mumbai Metro network by inviting bids for general consultant services for the proposed Metro Line 5A extension, which will connect Kalyan with Ulhasnagar.
The 11.83-kilometre elevated corridor is part of the extended Metro Line 5 route, increasing the overall length of the corridor to 34.21 kilometres after receiving government approval in April 2026.
The Metro Line 5A extension will comprise seven elevated stations located at Durgadi, Khadakpada, Bhoirwadi, Shivaji Path, Shanti Nagar, Shivaji Chowk and Ulhasnagar. The corridor is planned to provide seamless connectivity with Metro Line 5 and Metro Line 12, along with integration with the Central Railway suburban network at Kalyan Junction.
The Maharashtra government approved the combined Metro Line 5 and 5A project on April 22, 2026, with an estimated investment of Rs 18,130 crore.
Meanwhile, the first phase of Metro Line 5, covering the 12.20-kilometre stretch between Kapurbawdi in Thane and Dhamankar Naka in Bhiwandi, is nearing completion. Major civil works, including piling, pier construction and girder installation, have been substantially completed. Authorities are now preparing for the inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), which is a mandatory step before the start of passenger operations.
The expanded Metro corridor is expected to strengthen connectivity across the eastern suburbs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, especially in areas witnessing rapid industrial and residential growth. It is also expected to support Bhiwandi’s logistics and warehousing ecosystem by improving access to major employment and commercial hubs.
The project is projected to reduce travel duration by around 40% to 50% compared to existing road-based travel on several routes, while also reducing dependence on the already congested suburban railway network.
Trial runs for the first phase are expected to begin by the end of 2026, with passenger services likely to commence after receiving the required safety approvals.
Source: Swarajya
