The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has stepped up construction of the Kasheli Metro Depot, the operations and maintenance hub for Metro Line 5, with the project recording 23% physical progress as of June 2026.
Located near the Kasheli Toll Plaza and spread across nearly 27 hectares, the depot will serve the 32-km Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan-Ulhasnagar Metro corridor. Construction gathered pace after the project secured statutory environmental clearances in August 2025.
MMRDA is implementing the depot in phases so that key operational infrastructure is ready in advance, enabling train testing, inspection, commissioning and maintenance activities before the entire facility is completed.
Designed to accommodate around 30 trainsets, the depot will feature inspection bays, workshop lines, a test track, shunting facilities, a Depot Control Centre, administrative offices, storage facilities, staff quarters, power infrastructure, train washing systems, sewage and effluent treatment plants, rainwater harvesting infrastructure and firefighting systems. The authority said the depot will function as a comprehensive maintenance centre capable of carrying out routine inspections, preventive maintenance, major repairs and long-term asset management.
One of the key engineering challenges has been the presence of soft marine clay deposits extending six to nine metres below the surface. In consultation with experts from IIT Bombay, MMRDA has adopted Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVDs) and staged surcharge loading to accelerate soil consolidation and enhance load-bearing capacity.
Around 10 hectares have been covered under the ground improvement programme, with nearly 6.2 metres of surcharge embankment placed in phases.
Construction is progressing across multiple components, including the four-storey Depot Control Centre and staff quarters. In November 2025, MMRDA also completed the lowering of 2,400-mm and 2,750-mm diameter BMC water mains, removing a major construction obstacle.
Temporary operational facilities, including an inspection pit shed, bogie turntable, test track, Auxiliary Substation (ASS) building and shunting neck, are also being developed to support the early commissioning of Metro Line 5.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “The Kasheli Depot reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to building modern and reliable public transport infrastructure. Metro Line 5 will strengthen connectivity across Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar while advancing our vision of a developed, well-connected Maharashtra.”
Deputy Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde said, “The Kasheli Depot will be central to the safe and efficient operation of Metro Line 5. Its steady progress brings the Mumbai Metropolitan Region closer to faster, reliable, and high-capacity public transport connectivity.”
Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee said, “The Kasheli Depot is the operational foundation of Metro Line 5. Despite challenging ground conditions, the project is advancing through scientific engineering, meticulous planning, and phased execution. It represents MMRDA’s commitment to delivering robust metro infrastructure that will support reliable operations for decades to come.”
Once operational, the Kasheli Depot will serve as the technical backbone of Metro Line 5, supporting efficient operations and maintenance while enhancing connectivity across Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar.
Source: The Free Press Journal
