Mumbai’s northern suburbs are set for a major connectivity upgrade with the proposed Metro Line 13, a 25-km corridor planned to link Bhayandar with Dongarpada in Virar. The project is expected to improve public transport connectivity and reduce road congestion across the rapidly growing Bhayandar-Vasai-Virar belt.
Approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet this month, the corridor will feature 16 stations, with 21.78 km of the alignment elevated and 3.25 km underground. The project has been estimated to cost Rs 17,724.99 crore and is targeted for completion by 2031.
One of its key features is a 4.92-km integrated six-lane road-and-Metro bridge across Vasai Creek, connecting Panju Island. The bridge is expected to significantly improve road connectivity between Bhayandar and Vasai, reducing the journey from around 40 minutes to approximately 10 minutes.
Metro to ease pressure on suburban rail
The northern suburbs currently depend heavily on Mumbai’s suburban railway network for public transport. Peak-hour crowding often makes daily travel difficult for residents. Metro Line 13 is expected to provide an additional mass-transit option and improve connectivity between residential and commercial areas.
The project will also connect with Metro Line 9 at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium and suburban railway stations at Naigaon, Nalasopara and Virar, allowing commuters to transfer between different modes of transport.
The proposed stations include Subhash Chandra Ground, Naigaon, Juchandra, Rajvali, Golani Naka, Vasai, Achole Village, Nalasopara East and West, Morya Nagar, Yashwant Nagar, Virar, Viva College, Yazoo Park and Dongarpada.
Major road connectivity boost
The integrated Vasai Creek bridge is expected to address one of the region’s major bottlenecks by creating a direct road connection between Bhayandar and Vasai.
Metro Line 13 is projected to carry around 4.49 lakh passengers daily by 2031. A depot is planned at Chikhal Dongri.
With the detailed project report approved, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) can proceed with appointing consultants and contractors before construction begins. The corridor is expected to reshape connectivity across Mumbai’s northern suburbs.
Source: The Indian Express
