Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde Reviews Metro Expansion Plans for Thane District
Shrikant Eknath Shinde, the Member of Parliament representing Kalyan, chaired a high-level review meeting on Monday with officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority. The session focused on accelerating ongoing Metro projects and proposing significant extensions to enhance connectivity across the rapidly developing Thane district region.
Meeting Details and Attendees
The meeting was conducted at the MMRDA headquarters in Mumbai. Key attendees included Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Additional Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, and other senior officials. A comprehensive review of transport infrastructure projects within the Kalyan parliamentary segment was undertaken, with a strong emphasis on alleviating traffic congestion and strengthening inter-city connectivity between Kalyan, Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, and Badlapur.
Proposed Metro Line Extensions
A primary focus was the expansion of Mumbai Metro Line 5, currently under construction from Thane to Bhiwandi to Kalyan. Shinde proposed extending this corridor in multiple phases beyond its current alignment. He suggested that the proposed Line 5A should run from Durgadi Naka via Kalyan, Ulhasnagar, and Ambernath, reaching up to the upcoming Chikhloli railway station.
During the discussions, the MP demanded further extension from Chikhloli to Badlapur to ensure residents of Badlapur benefit from seamless Metro connectivity. Additionally, he proposed Line 5C from Durgadi to Titwala, highlighting that this extension would provide a viable alternative to overcrowded suburban rail services and help reduce vehicular congestion on arterial roads. Shinde reported that MMRDA officials responded positively and agreed to examine the feasibility of these proposed alignments.
Progress on Other Metro Lines
Shinde also reviewed progress on Mumbai Metro Line 12, which connects Kalyan to Taloja, where pillar erection and station construction are currently underway. He instructed MMRDA to accelerate the pace of work and prepare a proposal to extend the line from Shilphata via Mumbra and Kalwa, connecting it directly to Thane city. According to the MP, this extension would link several cities within Thane district and provide improved access to both Mumbai and Thane, while reducing dependence on congested roads and suburban railway networks.
Furthermore, he called for detailed planning and early execution of Mumbai Metro Line 14, which runs from Kanjurmarg to Badlapur and is expected to commence groundwork soon.
Innovative Double-Decker Corridor Proposal
One of the major highlights of the meeting was Shinde's proposal to develop key stretches of Metro Lines 5, 12, and 14 as integrated double-decker corridors. The proposed model would incorporate a ground-level road, a flyover above it, and an elevated Metro viaduct at the top tier wherever feasible. He emphasized that this multi-layered design would optimize land use in densely populated areas and significantly enhance mobility across the region.
Additional Infrastructure Initiatives
The review also covered a proposed access-controlled corridor aimed at directly connecting cities beyond Kalyan to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Shinde recommended ensuring connectivity from both eastern and western parts of Badlapur, Ambernath, Ulhasnagar, Kalyan, and Dombivli to this corridor. He stressed the need to remove encroachments and widen the Badlapur-Katai road to improve traffic flow.
On local infrastructure, the MP asked officials to expedite land acquisition for the Kalyan (East) U-type road project and suggested temporarily rehabilitating affected residents in nearby BSUP housing units. He also recommended implementing cluster redevelopment schemes to provide permanent housing and commercial units for eligible occupants.
The Airoli-Katai Freeway tunnel at Katai Naka and pending land acquisition for Phase 3 were also reviewed, with directions issued for early completion.
Expected Impact
If implemented as proposed, the expanded Metro network and integrated double-decker corridors are expected to significantly transform mobility patterns across Kalyan and adjoining cities in Thane district. These initiatives promise to offer multi-layered connectivity and ease mounting traffic pressure in the rapidly urbanizing region, fostering sustainable development and improved quality of life for residents.
