Thane-Bhiwandi Metro Line-5 Delayed, New Completion Date Set for March 2025
The much-anticipated Thane-Bhiwandi Metro Line-5, which was initially slated for completion by March 2022, has encountered significant delays. According to information revealed through a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by activist Anil Galgali, the new deadline for the completion of this critical metro corridor has now been set for March 31, 2025—marking a delay of over three years.
The delay has raised concerns about project management within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The RTI response highlights shortcomings in the administration of the project, which was awarded to Afcons Infrastructure on September 1, 2019. The elevated 24.90 km-long Metro Line-5, designed to connect Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan, will have 15 stations along its route. Despite the significant delay, the project’s estimated cost remains unchanged at ₹898.19 crore. However, the imposed penalty for the delay stands at a nominal ₹20.88 lakh, which has drawn criticism for being insufficient given the scale and impact of the delay. Metro Line-5 is expected to provide vital connectivity to residents and commuters in the growing areas of Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan. Once completed, the project is set to offer an important link with Metro Line-4 (Wadala-Kasarvadavali) and the proposed Metro Line-12 (Kalyan-Taloja), as well as the Central Railway network.
The improved connectivity will reduce travel times by an estimated 50% to 75%, offering significant benefits to both commercial and government employees who commute along these busy corridors. The delay is seen as a setback for the city’s metro expansion plans, which are aimed at easing traffic congestion and promoting public transport. The completion of this line will provide much-needed relief to the high-density areas it serves and contribute to the broader goal of improving Mumbai’s transport infrastructure. While the reasons behind the delay have not been officially detailed, the revised completion date has sparked renewed calls for better oversight and more stringent accountability for timely project execution. With the deadline now set for 2025, commuters and residents of the areas served by Metro Line-5 are hopeful that the project will meet its new timeline and transform the region’s transportation landscape.