First train reaches Thane-Bhiwandi Metro Line 5 track, trials to begin soon

Mumbai Metro Line 5, connecting Thane and Bhiwandi, has moved closer to opening. The first train was brought to the corridor during Navratri. The rake has been borrowed for a time from Metro Lines 2A and 7. Trial runs are expected to begin soon. This would clear the way for the line to open in December 2026 or by the end of the 2026-27 financial year.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is preparing the corridor for operation. Energisation of the track and overhead equipment (OHE) will be completed in early October. Station finishing and other infrastructure work is also under way alongside preparations for the train trials.

The upcoming trials will examine the train's performance, signalling and other essential systems. After testing and safety checks are completed, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) will carry out a final inspection. Passenger service can begin only after the necessary safety clearances are obtained.

Trains on Line 5 are initially expected to run at intervals of about five to six minutes. Dedicated train sets have been ordered for Line 5 and are expected to arrive next year. Until then, the temporary use of trains from Lines 2A and 7 will help the authority prepare for operations.

The permanent depot for Line 5 is being built on about 27 hectares near the Kashele toll plaza. It is planned to support the entire 32 km corridor in three phases. The depot may take longer to complete, so temporary pit lines have been built for the initial phase of operations.

The metro is expected to benefit commuters travelling between Thane and Bhiwandi, especially workers heading to warehouses and industrial units in the area. At present, the journey by road can take 45 minutes or more during peak hours, and many commuters depend on crowded autorickshaws. Once operational, Line 5 is expected to cut the travel time by about 25 minutes.

In the next phase, the corridor is planned to be extended towards Kalyan and Ulhasnagar, with a target of completion by 2030-31. The opening of the first phase will be an important step towards improving public transport connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The corridor will have seven stations, including Kasarvadavali, where there will be an interchange with Metro Line 4. The route runs from Balkum Naka to Dhamankar Naka and is 11.9 km long. The stations are Kasarvadavali, Balkum, Kashele, Kalher, Purna, Anjurphata and Dhamankar Naka.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 6,741 crore. The likely start is December 2026 or within FY 2026-27. Daily ridership by 2031 is estimated at 3.025 lakh passengers.