Sena MP reviews Metro projects, seeks extensions of Lines 5, 12 & 14 with double-decker corridor

Kalyan: Shrikant Eknath Shinde, member of Parliament from Kalyan, on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting with officials of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, pushing for accelerated execution of ongoing Metro works and major extensions to improve connectivity across the fast-growing Thane district region.The meeting, held at MMRDA headquarters in Mumbai, was attended by commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, additional commissioner Ashwini Bhide, and other senior officials. A detailed review of transport infrastructure projects in the Kalyan parliamentary segment was undertaken, with emphasis on easing traffic congestion and strengthening inter-city connectivity between Kalyan, Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, and Badlapur.
A key focus area was the expansion of Mumbai Metro Line 5 (Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan), which is currently under construction. Shinde proposed that the corridor be extended in multiple phases beyond its present alignment. He suggested that the proposed Line 5A run from Durgadi Naka via Kalyan, Ulhasnagar, and Ambernath up to the upcoming Chikhloli railway station.During the meeting, the MP demanded that the corridor be extended further from Chikhloli to Badlapur to ensure that residents of Badlapur also benefit from seamless Metro connectivity. He also proposed Line 5C from Durgadi to Titwala, stating that the extension would provide a viable alternative to overcrowded suburban rail services and help reduce vehicular congestion on arterial roads. Shinde claimed MMRDA officials responded positively and agreed to examine the feasibility of the proposed alignments.Shinde also reviewed progress on Mumbai Metro Line 12 (Kalyan-Taloja), where pillar erection and station construction are 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.Further, he called for detailed planning and early execution of Mumbai Metro Line 14 (Kanjurmarg-Badlapur), which is expected to commence groundwork soon.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 said the multi-layered design would optimise land use in densely populated areas and significantly enhance mobility.The review also covered the 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.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, offering multi-layered connectivity and easing mounting traffic pressure in the rapidly urbanising region.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !