Mumbai Metro Line five has become one of the longest corridors in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region after authorities approved an extension, taking the line to 34.21 km. The corridor will connect Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Dombivli and Ulhasnagar to improve regional mobility. The approval follows statutory clearances for project progression.

The corridor originally ran 22.38 km between Thane and Kalyan; the new 11.83 km extension raises the total to 34.21 km, and the project budget is about Rs 181.3 billion (Rs 181.3 bn). The Chief Minister said the corridor will support commuters in Bhiwandi and Kalyan-Dombivli and noted Bhiwandi’s role as a textile and warehousing hub. He added that the Kalyan-Dombivli area houses about 3.5 million (3.5 million) people and that phase one could open for passengers by the end of this year.

Phase one runs between Thane and Dhamankar Naka and covers 11.9 km with six stations: Balkhum, Kasheli, Kalher, Purna, Anjurphata and Dhamankar Naka. Work at the Kasheli depot includes ground improvement, inspection facilities and a Depot Control Centre. The MMRDA metropolitan commissioner said station works are advanced as officials prepare for inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).

Phase two will extend 10.48 km towards Durgadi with six stations, including an underground stop at Bhiwandi, while Phase five A will add 11.83 km and seven stations, including a spur to Ulhasnagar, with budgets of Rs 73.26 bn and Rs 40.63 bn, respectively. The scheme is designed as an integrated transport corridor with interchanges to other metro lines, suburban rail and major highways supported by feeder buses. Project estimates indicate travel times could fall by 40-50 per cent and congestion on key roads is expected to ease, improving access to industrial and employment centres across eastern MMR.