Thane-Diva Metro Corridor Proposed, To Benefit 3 Lakh People

The Maharashtra government has proposed a new metro corridor connecting Thane, Kalwa, Mumbra, and Diva. The project aims to improve connectivity in rapidly growing suburbs that were not included in the original metro network.

A meeting was held in Mumbai on Monday, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, to review the proposal. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and Maha Metro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar.

Shinde approved the proposal in principle and directed Maha Metro to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) within six months. The proposed Thane-Diva Metro corridor will integrate with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor at Mhatardi in Diva, providing seamless connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Gujarat.

The corridor will also connect with the Kalyan-Taloja Metro Line (Metro 12) at Manpada, creating an integrated network linking Thane, Kalwa, Mumbra, Diva, Dombivli, Taloja, Kalyan, and Bhiwandi. According to Maha Metro, the corridor is planned to be partly underground and partly elevated.

The final alignment, project cost, and construction timeline will be determined after the DPR is completed. Land acquisition is expected to be relatively easier than other metro projects due to the availability of sufficient open land along the proposed route.

The project is expected to benefit nearly three lakh residents of Kalwa, Mumbra, and Diva, areas that have witnessed rapid urbanisation but remained outside the original metro plan. Commuters in these suburbs currently rely heavily on overcrowded suburban trains and roads, and the proposed metro would reduce pressure on both transport systems while helping lower railway fatalities caused by overcrowding.

The proposed alignment is expected to pass through Kolbad and Old Thane to improve connectivity while minimising inconvenience to local residents. Once completed, the corridor is expected to majorly strengthen public transport links across the Thane region and provide an alternative commute option for residents.

The Maharashtra government's proposal for the Thane-Diva Metro corridor is a significant step towards improving connectivity in the region. With the DPR expected to be ready in six months, the project is likely to move forward soon.

The project's completion will have a significant impact on the daily lives of residents in the Thane region, providing them with a faster, safer, and more convenient commute option. It will also help reduce the pressure on existing transport systems, making travel easier and more efficient for everyone.

In conclusion, the proposed Thane-Diva Metro corridor is a much-needed project that will benefit the residents of Kalwa, Mumbra, and Diva. With its expected completion, the project will strengthen public transport links in the Thane region and provide an alternative commute option for residents.