A review meeting on metro and road infrastructure projects in the Thane district region was recently conducted in Mumbai, with discussions centred on expanding metro connectivity to rapidly growing suburban cities such as Kalyan, Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath and Badlapur.
The meeting was chaired by Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Member of Parliament from Kalyan. Senior officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) also participated in the discussions.
During the session, officials reviewed the progress of ongoing metro construction projects and evaluated proposals aimed at extending routes to improve transport access across emerging residential hubs.
Metro Line 5 Expansion Proposal
Mumbai Metro Line 5, which connects Thane, Bhiwandi and Kalyan, is currently under construction. During the meeting, suggestions were put forward to extend the line further to serve additional towns.
One proposal recommends extending the corridor from Durgadi Naka through Kalyan, Ulhasnagar and Ambernath up to the planned Chikhloli railway station. Another suggestion proposes pushing the line further to Badlapur. Additionally, a separate branch between Durgadi and Titwala has been recommended to provide commuters with an alternative to the heavily used suburban railway network.
Metro Line 12 Connectivity Review
Work on Mumbai Metro Line 12, which will connect Kalyan and Taloja, is also progressing, with pillar installation and station construction underway. Officials were asked to study the feasibility of extending the route from Shilphata towards Mumbra and Kalwa so that it directly links with Thane city. Such a connection could strengthen intra-district mobility and ease traffic pressure on major roads.
Metro Line 14 Planning
The meeting also reviewed the status of Mumbai Metro Line 14, a planned corridor between Kanjurmarg and Badlapur. Authorities were encouraged to accelerate planning and preliminary groundwork so that implementation can begin at the earliest. The line is expected to connect Mumbai’s eastern suburbs with expanding residential areas in Thane district.
Double-Decker Corridor Concept
A notable concept discussed was the creation of double-decker transport corridors along select metro routes. The proposed structure would feature a road at ground level, a flyover above it and an elevated metro track on the top layer, allowing better utilisation of limited urban land.
Apart from metro expansion, the meeting also reviewed other key infrastructure projects, including widening of the Badlapur–Katai road, removal of encroachments along the corridor, land acquisition for the Kalyan East U-type road project and progress on the Airoli–Katai Freeway tunnel.
If implemented, the proposed metro extensions are expected to significantly improve connectivity across Thane district and support the region’s growing residential and commercial development.
Source: Times Property
