The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced a significant change in the construction plan for the second phase of the Metro 5 corridor, aiming to expedite the project’s completion. This decision came after careful consideration and receiving approval from the Maharashtra government’s Urban Development Department (UDD).
Shift from Elevated to Underground Route
Initially, the MMRDA had planned to construct an elevated route for the second phase of the Metro 5 corridor. The elevated metro was designed to connect Kapurbawdi in Thane, traverse Thane Bhiwandi Road, and ultimately reach Rajiv Gandhi Chowk, Rajnoli, and Durgadi in Kalyan. However, in a bid to ensure smoother construction and minimize potential disruptions, the authority has opted to shift to an underground route instead.
Simultaneous Construction for Time Efficiency
To streamline the construction process further, the MMRDA has made the decision to carry out both the elevated and underground road construction simultaneously. Previously, separate tenders were planned for each section, but now a single tender will be issued to kickstart the construction work. This strategic adjustment is expected to save time and accelerate the overall progress of the project.
The development of Phase 2 of the Metro Line 5 project faced significant challenges over the past four years. A section spanning 11.8 kilometers between Dhamankar Naka and Temghar encountered opposition from local communities, leading to a halt in construction activities. In response to the situation, the MMRDA made the decision to commence construction on the remaining sections of the route while resolving the issues faced in the disputed area.
Project Status and Cost
The Mumbai Metro Line 5 project, with an estimated cost of ₹8,417 crore, was sanctioned by the MMRDA on December 21, 2017. Currently, construction progress stands at approximately 70% completion for the Thane-Bhiwandi section, while work between Bhiwandi and Kalyan is yet to commence. This ambitious project spans a total length of 24.5 kilometers and includes a 3-kilometer underground stretch as part of Phase 2, connecting Thane to Kalyan via Bhiwandi.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s decision to revise the construction plan for Phase 2 of the Metro Line 5 corridor demonstrates their commitment to overcoming obstacles and ensuring the timely completion of this crucial transportation project. By switching to an underground route and initiating simultaneous construction, the MMRDA aims to optimize efficiency and deliver an improved metro system for the citizens of Mumbai and its surrounding regions.