After prolonged delays and slow progress, a fresh timeline has been set for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s much-anticipated Metro Line 5 (Orange Line).
Officials now suggest that the first operational
stretch between Thane and Bhiwandi could finally open to the public by December 2026, offering relief to commuters who have waited years for the project.
December 2026 Target For First Phase
Authorities have indicated that the initial phase of the corridor, connecting Thane to Bhiwandi, is nearing completion. BJP MLA Mahesh Choughule stated that most of the groundwork and technical processes are in their final stages.
Following a joint inspection on Thursday involving officials from the Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation, MMRDA and Metro authorities, he expressed confidence that, if work continues as planned, the Metro line could be ready for passenger services by the end of 2026.
Key Meeting On Infrastructure And Traffic Planning
According to a report in The Times Of India, earlier in the day, a high-level meeting focusing on traffic management and Metro-related infrastructure was convened at the municipal headquarters. The session was chaired by Mayor Narayan Chaudhary and included senior officials overseeing the project. During the meeting, authorities reviewed progress, discussed bottlenecks and explored measures to ensure smoother execution in the coming months.
After the meeting, officials conducted a detailed site inspection along the under-construction stretch between Anjurphata and Dhamankar Naka. This segment remains one of the crucial links in the first phase and is currently witnessing active construction work.
The inspection aimed to assess progress on the ground and identify areas requiring immediate attention.
Rs 3,771 Crore Infrastructure Plan Unveiled
MMRDA officials also presented a comprehensive infrastructure blueprint for Bhiwandi’s development. The plan, estimated at Rs 3,771 crore, will be executed in three phases and is expected to fast-track several long-pending civic projects.
Key proposals include road widening beneath the metro corridor and upgrades along the busy Kalyan Road stretch, both of which are critical for easing congestion and improving connectivity.
Civic Concerns: Cleanliness And Revenue Generation
Welcoming the Metro project, Mayor Narayan Chaudhary emphasised the need for proper upkeep of areas surrounding the Metro corridor. He urged Metro authorities to take full responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in these zones.
Meanwhile, Civic Commissioner Anmol Sagar highlighted potential revenue opportunities, suggesting that advertisements on Metro pillars could be used as a steady income source for the civic body.
Connectivity Gap And Commuter Challenges
At present, Bhiwandi does not have direct suburban railway connectivity to Mumbai, forcing daily commuters to depend on buses or indirect routes via Thane and Kalyan.
The Metro Line 5 project is expected to significantly ease travel by offering a faster and more reliable alternative, particularly for those commuting to and from Mumbai.
Project History And Delays
The Metro Line 5 project was approved by MMRDA in 2017 and formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. However, progress has been notably slow since construction began in 2020, leading to frustration among residents and commuters.
Adding to concerns, work on the second phase of the corridor is yet to commence, raising questions about further delays in completing the full route.
