Mumbai Metro Line 5, connecting Thane and Bhiwandi, has moved closer to becoming operational following the arrival of its first train rake. Trial runs on the 11.9-km corridor are expected to begin next week, with passenger services tentatively planned for December 2026 or by the end of the 2026–27 financial year.
The train set has been borrowed from Metro Lines 2A and 7. Its arrival follows the activation of overhead equipment and tracks earlier in October. Testing is expected to continue for several months, after which the corridor must undergo safety inspections and receive approval from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).
Finishing work at stations is continuing alongside preparations for the trials.
Faster connectivity between Thane and Bhiwandi
The metro corridor is expected to benefit commuters travelling between Thane and Bhiwandi, particularly employees working in the latter’s extensive warehousing and industrial areas.
At present, many passengers rely on shared autorickshaws, paying around Rs 40–50 per seat. Journeys that can exceed 45 minutes during peak traffic hours could fall to approximately 25 minutes after the metro becomes operational.
The route will run from Balkum Naka in Thane to Dhamankar Naka in Bhiwandi, covering seven stations: Kasarvadavali, Balkum, Kasheli, Kalher, Purna, Anjurphata and Dhamankar Naka. Kasarvadavali will provide an interchange with Metro Line 4.
The project has an estimated cost of Rs 6,741 crore, with its depot situated at Kasheli. Ridership is projected to reach 3.025 lakh passengers daily by 2031.
Temporary trains to support initial operations
Until dedicated trains arrive, Metro Line 5 will use spare BEML train sets assigned to Metro Lines 2A and 7. The temporary arrangement will help authorities test signalling and other systems before passenger operations begin.
Initially, trains may run at reduced speeds, with intervals of five to six minutes. Dedicated train sets ordered for the corridor are expected to arrive next year and will require separate trials.
The line is planned to extend towards Kalyan and Ulhasnagar in a subsequent phase, targeted for completion by 2030–31.
Source: Financial Express
