Lakhs of daily commuters in Mumbai’s satellite towns and across eastern Maharashtra are set for a major connectivity boost. The Maharashtra government has approved a sweeping infrastructure push — covering
a new metro corridor serving the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan belt and three major expressways in Vidarbha — with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directing all departments to fast-track execution without delay.
Metro Line 5A: What’s The Plan?
The state has cleared works worth Rs 18,130.55 crore for Metro Line 5A, spanning 34.21 km across 19 stations. The corridor will serve the fast-growing Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar belt, with CM Fadnavis announcing that nearly 69 lakh people will benefit from the expansion.
• Phase 1 will run from Kapurbawdi to Dhamankar Naka
• Phase 2 will connect Dhamankar Naka to Durgadi
• The extended corridor will further link Durgadi, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar, creating a seamless suburban transit route
How Much Time Will Commuters Save?
Officials said the project is expected to reduce travel time by 40 to 50 per cent — significant relief for lakhs of daily commuters currently dependent on congested roads and overcrowded rail services.
The Chief Minister has directed departments to expedite all required approvals from the Centre and other agencies to ensure work begins without delay.
Three Vidarbha Expressways: What Has Been Approved?
In a parallel push for eastern Maharashtra, Fadnavis directed the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to prepare strict execution timelines for three expressway projects in Vidarbha.
He has also asked the Finance Department to coordinate urgently on proposals to raise funds through HUDCO for land acquisition. All three corridors are to be completed within six years.
Here is a breakdown of the three projects:
• Nagpur-Gondia Expressway: 162.577 km, estimated cost Rs 19,582.19 crore; Rs 3,162.18 crore approved for land acquisition
• Bhandara-Gadchiroli Corridor: 94.241 km; Rs 931.15 crore approved for land acquisition
• Nagpur-Chandrapur Expressway: 204.799 km; Rs 2,353.94 crore approved for land acquisition
Why Does This Matter?
The Chief Minister described the Vidarbha highways as vital for economic growth, saying the projects would strengthen transport links and unlock new industrial opportunities across the region. Taken together, the metro and road approvals signal a concerted state push toward faster travel, better logistics and more balanced regional development across Maharashtra.
