Bhiwandi: After years of delay, a fresh deadline has been set for Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s much-awaited Metro Line 5, often cited as one of the slowest progressing metro projects in the region. Officials now indicate that the first phase of the Thane–Bhiwandi stretch (Orange Line) could become operational by Jan 2027, reports Pradeep Gupta.MLA Mahesh Choughule expressed confidence that the ongoing work is in its final stages and all technical aspects of the project will be completed by Dec 2026. “MMRDA official said if everything goes as planned, the metro could be opened for passengers by Jan 2027,” he said after a joint inspection conducted on Thursday by officials from the Bhiwandi civic body, MMRDA and metro authorities. Earlier in the day, a key meeting on metro-related infrastructure was also held by Mayor Narayan Chaudhary. Officials also carried out an on-ground inspection of the stretch between Anjurphata and Dhamankar Naka, where work is currently underway. The project cost is estimated at Rs 3,771 crore across three phases.
