Dharavi, one of Mumbai’s most densely populated areas, recently received its first metro station on 9 May as part of the Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line). However, commuters are set to benefit further with the planned introduction of a second metro station under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). Officials confirm that Metro Line 11 (Wadala–CSMT) is likely to be extended into Dharavi, establishing a major interchange that will significantly enhance east-west and north-south connectivity across the city.
According to sources cited by the Times of India, the extension will include the construction of two new stations, including one at Sion. Metro Line 11 is proposed to extend westwards from Wadala to connect with the existing Metro Line 3 station in Dharavi. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL), responsible for Metro Line 3, has also been tasked with constructing Metro Line 11, which will run from Wadala to Hutatma Chowk via Byculla. The project is currently in its planning phase, with an estimated cost of ₹16,000 crore.
Residents have welcomed the development, noting Dharavi’s long-standing challenges with poor transport links. Fatima Khan, a resident, remarked, “For years, Dharavi has lacked proper connectivity. A Metro hub here means better access to jobs, colleges, and hospitals across the city.”
The proposed Dharavi Central Metro station will serve as a key interchange where commuters from various parts of Mumbai can switch lines effortlessly. The station is expected to be a multi-level structure linking the city’s north-south and east-west corridors. This will enable passengers from eastern suburbs to transfer to Metro Line 3, providing direct access to BKC and the airport, reducing dependence on road transport and easing congestion.
In addition, urban planners are developing feeder bus routes and improved walking and cycling infrastructure to facilitate easy access to the station. The goal is to create a future-ready mobility hub that integrates metro, rail, bus, and non-motorised transport under one roof, ensuring seamless last-mile connectivity for Dharavi’s residents.
Source: Times Now
