Mumbai’s Metro Line 12 has marked a significant construction milestone with the installation of its 100th U-girder near the Dombivli MIDC station, signalling rapid progress on the 23.57-kilometre orange line connecting Kalyan, Dombivli, and Taloja. Scheduled for completion by May 2028, this project will provide a direct link to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), substantially enhancing regional connectivity.
The line, part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s broader metro expansion, is designed to improve travel efficiency across densely populated urban corridors. Once operational, commuters will be able to travel from Kalyan to Taloja in approximately 45 minutes, a significant reduction compared with current road transit times. This development is expected to complement existing suburban rail services while easing road congestion along major arterial routes. An official overseeing the project explained, “Line 12 is strategically important as it integrates eastern and western nodes of the Mumbai metropolitan area, linking peripheral towns to core urban centres and the airport. The 100th U-girder installation reflects our commitment to maintaining construction pace and delivering sustainable urban mobility.”
The orange line will extend metro accessibility to areas previously reliant primarily on suburban trains or road transport, including Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, and Mira-Bhayandar. The project demonstrates a focus on sustainable urban transit, reducing dependency on private vehicles, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting a more inclusive transport ecosystem. Industry experts note that metro expansions of this scale often drive economic uplift in surrounding regions through improved accessibility, encouraging real estate growth, and enabling commercial development. Financially, Line 12 is part of a larger metropolitan investment plan prioritising public transport and long-term urban resilience. The construction incorporates modern engineering standards, with U-girders supporting elevated tracks designed for durability and reduced maintenance needs. The project also emphasises environmental sensitivity, as planners are incorporating measures to minimise disruption to natural landscapes along the route.
As Mumbai continues to expand its metro network in alignment with sustainable urban planning goals, Line 12 is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping regional transit patterns. By linking peripheral towns directly to the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the city’s broader transit grid, the project supports a zero-carbon vision for urban mobility while enhancing equitable access to efficient transportation options for commuters across the metropolitan region.
Mumbai Metro Line 12 Hits 100th U-Girder Linking Kalyan Taloja Airport
