A critical section of Mumbai’s Metro Line 5 has advanced significantly with the successful installation of a 65-metre-long steel girder above one of the city's busiest railway corridors near Diva. The metropolitan development authority executed this operation, marking a major engineering achievement in the 24.9-kilometre Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan metro corridor. Weighing over 400 tonne, the steel girder, also referred to as an open web girder, was lifted with precision using a coordinated system of cranes and hydraulic jacks. Elevated 20 metres above ground level, the bridge was installed without interrupting operations on the active railway line below, which handles heavy daily train traffic. This operation required meticulous planning and brief construction windows, reflecting the challenges of constructing infrastructure above dense urban railway networks.

The open web girder was designed to span wide distances without the need for intermediate piers, bridging the structural gap between Mankoli and Durgadi Naka—two critical junctions in the broader Metro 5 alignment. Once complete, this section will serve as a crucial transit link for industrial workers, daily commuters, and local residents of Bhiwandi and Kalyan, transforming daily mobility across the northern Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The project is expected to accommodate over two lakh passengers daily, significantly reducing dependence on road-based transport in the region. Additionally, the line will connect with other transit systems, such as Metro Lines 4 and 12, the suburban railway, and key bus routes, creating a more integrated and sustainable multi-modal urban transport network.

Officials involved in the project have emphasized that this accomplishment reflects Mumbai’s progress in infrastructure development amid challenges like population growth, space constraints, and aging civic assets. The successful installation of the steel span highlights the city’s ability to adopt innovative engineering solutions and address long-standing mobility issues through strategic investments. Metro Line 5 is being implemented in stages and has previously faced challenges related to land acquisition and realignment. Despite these initial obstacles, progress has accelerated as key bottlenecks have been resolved, with the aim to meet the operational target by 2025.

Urban mobility experts view this installation as more than just a technical success. They see it as a representation of the region's broader commitment to building future-ready, low-carbon transport systems. In the face of growing climate challenges and social inequalities in access, investments in metro rail systems continue to be crucial in transforming urban environments toward more inclusive and sustainable futures. With additional bridge spans planned for challenging intersections in the coming months, Metro Line 5 is poised to fulfill its promise—not only as a high-capacity transport solution but also as a driver of equitable growth and climate-conscious urban development.

As Mumbai seeks to become a model for sustainable and accessible transit infrastructure, the ongoing transformation in Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan serves as an essential example of the city’s transportation evolution. This latest milestone is not just about connecting stations—it’s about connecting people, economies, and futures in a rapidly changing metropolis.

News source: Urban Acres