Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a pivotal infrastructure development for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR): a new flyover paralleling the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan underground Metro Line 5. This strategic intervention, revealed on June 27, 2025, aims to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and bolster connectivity across the rapidly expanding Thane district, underscoring a holistic approach to fostering zero-net carbon, eco-friendly, sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable urban landscapes.
The comprehensive plan hinges on the synergistic implementation of the new flyover alongside the existing Metro Line 5. This multi-modal approach is critical for the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan corridor, a region experiencing immense population growth and serving as a vital freight logistics hub. The Chief Minister emphasised that these integrated projects—metro, flyover, and road widening—are designed to deliver long-term traffic relief to citizens, tackling the burgeoning vehicular density that has historically challenged mobility and economic efficiency in these key urban nodes within the MMR.
A crucial component of this initiative is the proposed extension of Metro Line 5 from Kalyan to Ulhasnagar and further to Chikhloli near Ambernath. This expansion is set to provide faster and more efficient connections for the rapidly growing populations in these essential areas of Thane district. By extending the reach of high-capacity public transport, the government aims to encourage a modal shift away from private vehicles, directly contributing to reduced carbon emissions and fostering an eco-friendlier urban environment. Such strategic public transport investments are vital for supporting the transition to more sustainable and low-carbon urban centres.
According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Metro Line 5, a 24.9-kilometre corridor featuring 17 stations, is slated for completion by 2025. Significant progress has already been made, with Phase 1 (Thane to Bhiwandi) reportedly 80% complete. Phase 2 (Bhiwandi to Kalyan) includes a 5-kilometre underground section, a design choice that minimises potential rehabilitation issues often associated with above-ground infrastructure projects in densely populated areas. This meticulous planning is crucial for ensuring that urban development is both efficient and socially responsible, upholding principles of equitable growth.
The integrated nature of this infrastructure development is expected to yield substantial benefits beyond mere traffic flow. Enhanced connectivity will significantly improve access to employment centres, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities for residents across Thane district, fostering greater social and economic inclusion. For a region that is a major freight hub, improved transit infrastructure will also streamline logistics operations, reducing costs and improving efficiency for businesses, thereby contributing to regional economic vitality and competitiveness. Such developments empower diverse communities and promote gender-neutral access to urban amenities.
Ultimately, the commitment to combine metro expansion with strategic flyover and road widening projects represents a forward-thinking model for urban planning in rapidly developing Indian cities. It underscores a comprehensive strategy to manage the complexities of urban growth, ensuring that while economic activity thrives, the environmental footprint is minimised, and the benefits of progress are distributed equitably among all citizens. This holistic vision for Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan exemplifies Maharashtra’s resolve to build resilient, smart, and sustainable urban ecosystems for the future.
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