7 March 2025
Mumbai: In a significant development regarding the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan Metro Line 5, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that a 5 km stretch of the metro route between Kalyan and Bhiwandi will be taken underground. The decision comes in response to the rehabilitation challenges faced in the region.
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The announcement was made in the Maharashtra Assembly on Friday while CM Fadnavis was replying to the discussion on the Governor’s address. The issue of the project's delay was raised by Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh, who emphasized the importance of expediting Metro work for improved connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
"Bhiwandi-Nizampur is the Manchester of India and the largest logistics hub. The delay in Metro work is affecting connectivity and growth in the region. It is crucial to fast-track the project to benefit local businesses and commuters," said MLA Rais Shaikh.
Responding to the concerns, CM Fadnavis assured that 80% of the physical work on Metro Line 5, connecting Thane to Bhiwandi, has already been completed. However, the Kalyan-Bhiwandi stretch requires extensive rehabilitation efforts. "Considering the challenges, we have decided to take a 5 km section of the metro underground. A report on this has been assigned to the TCL company, and once it is submitted, the work will be expedited," said Fadnavis.
The Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan Metro Line 5 is a crucial project aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity in the rapidly growing industrial and commercial hubs of MMR.