Mumbai Metro Line 5 has taken a significant step towards becoming operational with the arrival of its first train on the Thane–Bhiwandi corridor. The train, temporarily sourced from Metro Lines 2A and 7, was brought to the route during Navratri. Trial runs are expected to begin shortly, with services tentatively scheduled to start in December 2026 or by the end of the 2026–27 financial year.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is preparing the corridor for operations. Track and overhead equipment (OHE) energisation was completed in early October, while station finishing work and other infrastructure preparations continue.
Trials and safety inspections ahead
The upcoming tests will evaluate train performance, signalling and other critical systems. After the trials and necessary checks, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) will inspect the corridor. Passenger operations can begin only after the required safety clearance is granted.
Initially, trains are expected to run at intervals of approximately five to six minutes. Using rakes from Lines 2A and 7 will help facilitate the initial launch while dedicated train sets ordered for Line 5 are expected to arrive next year.
Depot construction continues at Kasheli
The permanent Metro Line 5 depot is being developed across around 27 hectares near the Kasheli toll plaza. It is intended to serve the entire 32-km corridor across its three phases. Since construction may take longer, temporary pit lines have been created to support the initial operations.
Faster travel between Thane and Bhiwandi
The corridor is expected to improve connectivity for commuters travelling between Thane and Bhiwandi, including workers heading to warehouses and industrial establishments. Road journeys can currently take 45 minutes or more during peak hours, with many passengers depending on crowded autorickshaws. Metro services are expected to bring the journey time down to around 25 minutes.
The first phase will run from Balkum Naka to Dhamankar Naka, covering 11.9 km and seven stations: Kasarvadavali, Balkum, Kasheli, Kalher, Purna, Anjurphata and Dhamankar Naka. The project has an estimated cost of Rs 6,741 crore and is projected to carry 3.025 lakh passengers daily by 2031.
A later phase is planned to extend the corridor towards Kalyan and Ulhasnagar, with completion targeted for 2030–31.
Source: Mumbai Live
