MMRDA pushes ₹8,417-cr Metro 5 rail corridor

To build the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan Metro 5 corridor on a fast-track basis, Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has applied for the diversion of 2,349.57 square metres (sqm) of forest area for the corridor. In this connection, the state authority has sought the diversion of 1,971.71 sqm of forest land in Balkaum, Thane, as well as of 377.86 sqm of the area in Kasheli in Bhiwandi from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for constructing around 24 piers for the ₹8,417 crore project. During the planning stage, the various options for the alignment were explored by MMRDA given the complete avoidance or minimum loss of forest land. The proposed alignment requires at least minimum forest land, which is unavoidable as the portion is just a small patch of forest near the Kasheli creek and that the agency is awaiting approval. MMRDA had also got clearances from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) for the project, as the alignment crosses the Ulhas river near Kalyan. The 24.9-km Metro-5 corridor will connect Thane and Kalyan via the power loom town of Bhiwandi and will have 17 stations. Currently, the areas are connected only via the overcrowded suburban railway.