Kalyan: Commuters along the congested Kalyan–Shilphata corridor can soon expect Metro connectivity, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) announcing the extension of Mumbai Metro Line 12 under a new project, Metro Line 12A. The move is being seen as a significant step towards improving transport links between Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Mumbai.The extension, cleared with an administrative approval of Rs 8,414.53 crore, was announced under the guidance of Maharashtra deputy chief minister and urban development minister Eknath Shinde.The development comes alongside MMRDA’s budgetary allocation of nearly Rs 5,000 crore for multiple ongoing infrastructure projects across the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency.Following the announcement, MP Shrikant Shinde on Friday conducted an extensive inspection of works in progress, accompanied by senior MMRDA, KDMC officials and project contractors.Projects reviewed during the visit included Metro Line 12 (Kalyan–Taloja), Mumbai Metro Line 5, elevated flyovers, and key phases of the ring road network aimed at reducing traffic congestion and strengthening regional mobility.“These projects are critical for transforming mobility in Kalyan-Dombivli and surrounding cities. Delays must be minimised so that citizens receive the benefits at the earliest,” Shrikant Shinde said, directing authorities to accelerate execution and adhere to timelines.Shrikant Shinde stated that Metro Line 12A will run parallel to the Kalyan–Shilphata Road, one of the region’s busiest and most traffic-prone stretches. The corridor will branch from Kalyan Phata, pass through Dahisar Mori, and merge with the existing Metro Line 12 near Khutari village before extending towards Taloja.“The extension of Metro Line 12 is a transformative decision. It will significantly benefit residents of extended Dombivli, Manpada, Katai Naka, Desai Naka, Padalegaon, Kalyan Phata, Gotheghar, Dahisar Mori, Dahisargaon, Kirawali village, Rohinjan, and Khutari village,” the MP said. He added that the new alignment would help reduce vehicular pressure on Shilphata Road and improve travel times.The revised corridor will span 18.4 km, of which approximately 10.5 km is already under construction. The plan proposes 12 elevated stations.A key feature of the project is its proposed integration with Mumbai Metro Line 14, with common track and station sharing between Katai Naka and Kalyan Phata. The line will also connect to the Nilje depot and is expected to link with the upcoming National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited bullet train station at Thane, enhancing multimodal connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
