MMRDA alters Metro Line-5 design after local protests

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has altered the design of Phase-II of Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan Metro Line-5 by taking a portion of the route underground. This engineering change comes after the authority faced stiff opposition from local residents who would be affected by the project between Bhiwandi and Temghar. Between Bhiwandi and Kalyan, the part of the metro alignment runs through Bhiwandi, Temghar, Rajnouli, Gonve Gaon, Kon Gaon, Lal Chowki, Kalyan and Kalyan APMC. The entire corridor will be elevated except for the portion between Temghar and Bhiwandi, said a report citing sources. The total number of project-affected families will reduce by taking the metro line underground. The altered plan for Line-5 (Orange Line) has been sent by the MMRDA to the Maharashtra government for ratification and approval. A vehicular underpass is also proposed at the Dhamankar Naka flyover in Bhiwandi. For the entire 24.90-km line, the car depot has been planned at Kasheli, relocated from the earlier area. A tender has been floated to get the car depot constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 47.20 billion. The MMRDA has initiated the process to appoint a consultant for Phase-II, after which it will invite proposals for civil works. The total estimated cost for both phases together is around Rs 84.16 billion. So far, around 60% of civil works between Thane and Bhiwandi have been completed. See also: BHEL-Titagarh, Alstom among 5 bidders for Vande BharatMMRC achieves new breakthrough on Metro 3