Mumbai Metro Line 5 Extension To Ulhasnagar Moves Ahead

MMRDA Begins Tender Process for Metro Line 5 Expansion Beyond Bhiwandi as Thane - Bhiwandi Section Nears Completion

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region is moving one step closer to a stronger public transport network as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has invited bids for the next construction phases of Mumbai Metro Line 5. The new work will extend the metro corridor from Bhiwandi to Ulhasnagar, with the selected contractor expected to complete the project within 48 months.

The development comes shortly after the state approved the extension of Metro Line 5, which is expected to improve connectivity across Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, and Ulhasnagar. The expansion is also aimed at reducing travel time, easing road traffic, and supporting the rapidly growing residential and industrial areas in the region.

MMRDA Opens Bidding for Phase II and Phase III Civil Works

MMRDA issued the tender on July 11 for the civil construction of Metro Line 5 Phase II and Phase III. The contract includes building elevated and underground metro structures, stations, and other supporting infrastructure.

As per the tender conditions, the contractor selected through the bidding process will have 48 months to complete all assigned work. The project is expected to play an important role in expanding Mumbai's metro network and improving daily commuting options for thousands of passengers.

The latest move follows the government's approval to extend Metro Line 5 beyond Bhiwandi to Ulhasnagar, a long-awaited connectivity upgrade for the eastern part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Metro Line 5 Will Connect Four Major Cities

Once fully completed, Mumbai Metro Line 5 will cover approximately 34.21 kilometers, connecting Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, and Ulhasnagar through a modern rapid transit system.

The corridor will include 19 metro stations, offering faster, safer, and more reliable transportation while improving links between residential neighborhoods, business districts, and industrial hubs.

The project has been divided into three construction phases to allow faster execution and better project management.

Phase I Between Thane and Bhiwandi Crosses 97% Completion

Construction of the first phase, stretching from Kapurbawdi in Thane to Dhamankar Naka in Bhiwandi, is now in its final stage.

According to MMRDA, more than 97 percent of the civil construction work has already been completed. Installation of overhead electrical equipment, poles, and other metro systems is currently underway.

The authority is preparing the corridor for inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), an important step before metro operations can begin.

If work continues as scheduled, MMRDA plans to begin trial runs on the Thane - Bhiwandi section by the end of 2026, bringing the project closer to passenger services.

Phase II Includes Elevated and Underground Metro Sections

The second phase will extend Metro Line 5 from Dhamankar Naka in Bhiwandi to Durgadi Chowk in Kalyan.

To improve construction efficiency, this section has been divided into two separate packages.

The first package covers the stretch from Dhamankar Naka to Ranjnoli Junction. It includes the construction of an elevated metro corridor along with a 3-kilometer underground section, featuring one underground station and one elevated station.

The second package will connect Ranjnoli Junction to Durgadi Chowk, where the project includes four elevated metro stations along with a new bridge across the creek to support uninterrupted metro movement.

Phase III Will Extend Metro Service to Ulhasnagar

The final phase of the project will extend the metro corridor from Durgadi Chowk through Kalyan and Bhoiwada to Ulhasnagar.

This 11.83-kilometer elevated corridor will feature four new elevated metro stations, giving residents of Ulhasnagar direct metro access to Thane and other parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The extension is expected to significantly improve daily travel for office workers, students, and businesses while supporting future urban development across the region.

Metro Expansion Supports Mumbai's Long-Term Mobility Vision

Mumbai Metro Line 5 is one of several metro projects being developed by MMRDA to create a connected public transport network across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Urban transport experts believe that expanding metro connectivity to rapidly developing cities like Bhiwandi, Kalyan, and Ulhasnagar will help reduce dependence on private vehicles, improve travel efficiency, and encourage sustainable urban growth.

With Phase I nearing completion and bidding now underway for the remaining sections, Metro Line 5 is entering a major construction phase that will bring the eastern suburbs and neighboring cities closer through high-capacity public transport.

As construction progresses over the next four years, the corridor is expected to become one of the key metro routes supporting the future growth of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.