Major Metro Expansion for Kalyan-Shilphata Corridor Gets Green Light
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced a significant infrastructure development with the approval of Metro Line 12A, an extension of Mumbai Metro Line 12. This project aims to provide much-needed Metro connectivity along the heavily congested Kalyan–Shilphata corridor, marking a pivotal step in enhancing transport links between Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Mumbai.
Substantial Investment and Political Backing
The extension has received administrative approval with a budget of Rs 8,414.53 crore, announced under the guidance of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde. This decision is part of a broader infrastructure push, with MMRDA allocating nearly Rs 5,000 crore for various ongoing projects across the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency.
Following the announcement, MP Shrikant Shinde conducted an extensive inspection of ongoing works on Friday, accompanied by senior MMRDA officials, Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) representatives, and project contractors. The review covered multiple critical projects, including Metro Line 12 (Kalyan–Taloja), Mumbai Metro Line 5, elevated flyovers, and key phases of the ring road network, all designed to reduce traffic congestion and strengthen regional mobility.
Project Details and Strategic Alignment
Shrikant Shinde emphasized the urgency of these projects, stating, "These projects are critical for transforming mobility in Kalyan-Dombivli and surrounding cities. Delays must be minimised so that citizens receive the benefits at the earliest." He directed authorities to accelerate execution and adhere strictly to timelines.
The Metro Line 12A will run parallel to the Kalyan–Shilphata Road, one of the region's busiest and most traffic-prone stretches. The corridor will branch from Kalyan Phata, pass through Dahisar Mori, and merge with the existing Metro Line 12 near Khutari village before extending towards Taloja.
Extensive Benefits and Connectivity Features
The revised corridor will span 18.4 km, with approximately 10.5 km already under construction, and will feature 12 elevated stations. Shrikant Shinde highlighted the transformative impact, noting that the extension will significantly benefit residents of extended Dombivli, Manpada, Katai Naka, Desai Naka, Padalegaon, Kalyan Phata, Gotheghar, Dahisar Mori, Dahisargaon, Kirawali village, Rohinjan, and Khutari village. He added that the new alignment is expected to reduce vehicular pressure on Shilphata Road and improve travel times substantially.
A key feature of the project is its proposed integration with Mumbai Metro Line 14, including common track and station sharing between Katai Naka and Kalyan Phata. The line will also connect to the Nilje depot and is anticipated to link with the upcoming National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited bullet train station at Thane, enhancing multimodal connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and providing seamless travel options for commuters.
