Daily travel for thousands of commuters in Thane district could become much easier in the coming years. The Maharashtra government has proposed a new metro corridor connecting Thane, Kalwa, Mumbra and Diva, a move aimed at improving connectivity in one of the fastest-growing and most crowded parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has given an in-principal approval for the project and directed Maha Metro to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) within six months. The report will determine the final alignment, station locations, cost and implementation plan for the proposed corridor, which is expected to begin at Thane Metro Station and extend up to Diva.
A boost for connectivity
The proposed metro line is expected to benefit commuters from Kalwa, Mumbra and Diva, areas that currently do not have direct metro connectivity. Thousands of residents in these suburbs depend on overcrowded local trains and congested roads every day, making travel time-consuming and stressful.
The corridor is also expected to strengthen Mumbai’s expanding metro network by connecting with Metro Line 12 (Kalyan-Taloja) at Manpada. It will also provide access to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train station at Mhatardi in Diva, allowing passengers to switch more easily between the metro and high-speed rail. By linking different modes of public transport, the project aims to make travel across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region more seamless and efficient.
Better links across the MMR
According to officials, the proposed route is likely to include both elevated and underground sections, although the final design will be decided after the DPR is completed. Authorities have also indicated that land acquisition may be relatively easier along several stretches of the route, which could help speed up the project’s execution.
Once completed, the metro corridor is expected to benefit around three lakh residents while improving connectivity not only for Thane, Kalwa, Mumbra and Diva but also for commuters travelling to Kalyan, Dombivli, Bhiwandi and Taloja through interchange stations. The project is expected to reduce pressure on roads and suburban railway services while making daily travel faster and more convenient.
Although the proposal is still in its planning stage, the preparation of the DPR marks the first major step towards bringing metro connectivity to parts of Thane district that have long awaited better public transport. If approved and implemented, the corridor could become an important addition to the region’s integrated transport network.
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