The Mumbai Metro Line 5 project, which will connect Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar, is progressing rapidly, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) accelerating construction activities and preparing for the upcoming phases of the corridor.
The 32-km-long Metro Line 5 has been divided into three phases. While work on the first phase between Kapurbawdi in Thane and Dhamankar Naka in Bhiwandi is nearing completion, the process for appointing contractors for the remaining phases has already begun. As of June 2026, around 23% of the overall project work had been completed.
A major component of the project, the Kasheli depot near Kasheli Toll Plaza, is also under development. Spread across nearly 27 hectares, the depot will support the long-term operations, maintenance and stabling requirements of Metro Line 5. It will have the capacity to accommodate 30 Metro rakes and will include facilities such as workshops, test tracks, a depot control centre, administrative buildings, staff facilities, utility infrastructure and advanced maintenance systems.
The MMRDA has invited tenders for the second and third phases of the corridor, covering viaduct construction and station-related works. After the appointment of contractors, the authority plans to complete these phases within 48 months.
Under Phase 2, the Metro corridor will extend from Dhamankar Naka in Bhiwandi to Durgadi Chowk in Kalyan. This phase will include the stretch from Dhamankar Naka to Ranjoli Junction, featuring an elevated corridor and a 3-km underground section, followed by the Ranjoli Junction to Durgadi Chowk section with four elevated stations and a creek bridge.
Phase 3 will extend the Metro network from Durgadi Chowk through Kalyan to Bhoiwada and further towards Ulhasnagar. The 11.83-km stretch will include four elevated stations.
The first phase of Metro Line 5 is expected to become operational by the end of 2026. More than 97% of construction work on the Thane-Bhiwandi section has been completed, with only overhead electric works and minor activities remaining. The route is currently undergoing inspection by the Metro Rail Safety Commissioner.
Source: Maharashtra Times
