The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed erection of all pre-cast elements for the six stations on the first phase of Metro Line-5 from Thane to Bhiwandi, in Thane district.
This comprises a total of 1,098 station elements, such as spines, wings, U-girders, pier arms, L-structures, thereby, completing 73.35 per cent station work of this corridor.
Additionally, 80.50 per cent viaduct is also complete, with work on 9.87 km of a total 11.88 km viaduct elevated stretch done.
“Mumbai Metro-5’s first phase has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the erection of all station precast elements. This accomplishment brings the metro line one step closer to project delivery. Now, major architectural works like flooring, false ceiling, facades, structural roof, track works and system works will commence simultaneously,” said Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA.
The Rs 8,416 crore Metro Line-5 connecting Thane to Kalyan via Bhiwandi, is a 24.9-km-long elevated corridor with 15 stations.
In the first phase, a 11.88 km stretch between Kapurbawadi in Thane to Dhamankar Naka in Bhiwandi is currently under construction.
The six stations en route are Balkumnaka, Kasheli, Kalher, Purna, Anjurphata and Dhamankar Naka.
The balance portion of the corridor between Bhiwandi and Kalyan has right-of-way related challenges, hence, a delay in initiating the construction.
Also, construction of this route’s car depot is yet to commence. The planned car depot at Kasheli has land acquisition related challenges and the land is yet to be transferred to the MMRDA to initiate civil construction.
It is expected that the much-awaited Metro Line-5 commercial service may start in 2025.