Kalyan-Shilphata Metro Extension Approved to Ease Mumbai Region Congestion
Commuters along the heavily congested Kalyan–Shilphata corridor are set to receive a major boost in public transportation, as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced the extension of Mumbai Metro Line 12 under a new project designated as Metro Line 12A. This strategic move is widely regarded as a pivotal step towards enhancing transport links between key urban centers, including Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Mumbai, promising to revolutionize regional mobility.
Administrative Approval and Budgetary Allocations
The extension has been cleared with an administrative approval of Rs 8,414.53 crore, announced under the guidance of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde. This development aligns with MMRDA's broader budgetary allocation of nearly Rs 5,000 crore for multiple ongoing infrastructure projects across the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, underscoring a concerted effort to upgrade the region's transport infrastructure.
Inspection and Project Review
Following the announcement, MP Shrikant Shinde conducted an extensive inspection of works in progress on Friday, accompanied by senior officials from MMRDA, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), and project contractors. During the visit, several critical projects were reviewed, including Metro Line 12 (Kalyan–Taloja), Mumbai Metro Line 5, elevated flyovers, and key phases of the ring road network. These initiatives are specifically designed to reduce traffic congestion and strengthen regional mobility.
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 to ensure timely completion.
Route Details and Benefits
Shrikant Shinde provided detailed insights into the Metro Line 12A route, which 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.
The extension is expected to bring significant benefits to numerous localities, including:
- Extended Dombivli
- Manpada
- Katai Naka
- Desai Naka
- Padalegaon
- Kalyan Phata
- Gotheghar
- Dahisar Mori
- Dahisargaon
- Kirawali village
- Rohinjan
- Khutari village
Shrikant Shinde highlighted that the new alignment will help reduce vehicular pressure on Shilphata Road and improve travel times, offering a much-needed relief to daily commuters.
Project Specifications and Integration
The revised corridor will span a total of 18.4 kilometers, with approximately 10.5 kilometers already under construction. The plan proposes 12 elevated stations along the route, ensuring efficient and accessible service for passengers.
A key feature of the project is its proposed integration with Mumbai Metro Line 14, featuring common track and station sharing between Katai Naka and Kalyan Phata. Additionally, the line will connect to the Nilje depot and is expected to link with the upcoming National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited bullet train station at Thane. This integration is poised to enhance multimodal connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, facilitating seamless travel options for residents and visitors alike.
Overall, the Metro Line 12A extension represents a transformative investment in the region's infrastructure, aimed at addressing long-standing traffic issues and promoting sustainable urban development.
