After the recent Mumbra train tragedy, which killed four people and wounded so many more, worries about overcrowding in Mumbai’s suburban railway system especially beyond Thane have gained so much attention. Dr. Shrikant Shinde, the MP for Kalyan, replied by calling a high-level meeting with senior MMRDA officials to call for immediate alternative modes of transportation. The Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan Metro Line 5 expansion up to Ambernath via Ulhasnagar was one of the important decisions that was made.
At Chikhloli station, an integrated transport hub will be built to facilitate easy interchange between suburban train and metro services. The expansion intends to lower fuel usage and traffic congestion by offering quicker and more environmentally friendly travelling solutions.
MMRDA Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee presided over the meeting at the authority’s headquarters. Shinde was joined by Rajesh More and Balaji Kinikar, both Shiv Sena MLAs. MMRDA was given instructions to speed up the development of a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed metro expansion at the meeting. Shinde pointed out the necessity of accelerating the Kalyan-Ambernath region’s other long-standing infrastructure projects in addition to the metro construction.
The Kalyan Ring Road project’s acceleration is one of the major changes. One of the main attractions is the proposed two-level Nevali corridor, which will have a metro viaduct above it and a flyover at the first level. This segment’s tendering procedure is scheduled to start shortly. When it wil be finished, the corridor will facilitate traffic flow and provide accessibility to public transportation.
Shinde posted on his X handle saying that, “The Metro Line 5, which currently connects Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan, will now be extended from Durgadi Naka to Chikhloli Railway Station in Ambernath. This extension along the Kalyan-Badlapur Road will provide significant relief to commuters from Ambernath, Badlapur and Ulhasnagar and reduce the burden on local trains.”
According to a report by Hindustan Times, a detailed inquiry into the accident is underway and expected to conclude within 10 days. Meanwhile, Central Railway’s accelerated push to expand 15-car local trains in Mumbai aims to prevent such tragedies and offer a safer, more efficient commute for lakhs of daily passengers.
To speed up the rollout, infrastructure improvements are underway.
Central Railway has already started expanding Platforms 5 as well as 6 at CSMT to allow for extended rakes. The Karjat line, which includes Ambernath and Badlapur, will be also included in phase one of the extension. The Kasara line, which includes stations like Titwala and Asangaon, will be the subject of phase two. Each 15-car train can carry 25% more people than its 12-car predecessor, providing much-needed relief during rush hour, according to railway authorities.