KALYAN: The Maharashtra government has approved the Metro Line 12A extension project, which aims to ease the daily traffic jams at Kalyan Phata, Shilphata and nearby areas. The project will combine a metro line with elevated roads in a double-decker, integrated transport corridor, according to a statement issued by the office of Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, who has been following up on the project.
Metro Line 12A will run from Manpada to Khutari Gaon in Taloja via Kalyan Phata. The route is 18.4 km long, including the depot connection, and will have 12 elevated stations: Manpada, Katai Naka, Growth Centre, Desai Naka, Padle Gaon, Kalyan Phata, Gothegar Gaon, Dahisar Mori, Dahisar Gaon, Kirwali Gaon, Rohinjan and Khutari Gaon.
Metro and elevated roads together
The plan builds the metro and the elevated roads together instead of as separate projects. Between Kalyan Phata and Manpada, a two-lane elevated road is proposed to ease the load on the Shilphata stretch. Between Kalyan Phata and Khutari Gaon in Taloja, a 3+3 lane elevated road is planned.
According to the statement, the entire Kalyan Phata–Rajnoli route will be developed as a double-decker corridor. The Kalyan Phata–Mahape flyover will also be linked to it. The line is planned to connect with Metro Line 12, Metro Line 5 and other transport projects in the Kalyan–Shilphata and Taloja belt.
Funding and planning
The MMRDA has finalised the integrated design of the metro line, elevated roads and flyovers. Funding will come from three sources: MMRDA’s share, interest-free subordinate debt from the state government, and loans from financial institutions. Land acquisition, rehabilitation and phased construction are part of the planning.
Who benefits
The project is expected to benefit commuters travelling between Kalyan, Dombivli, Shilphata, Manpada, Mahape and Taloja. Expected gains include shorter travel times, less fuel wasted in traffic, and better links between industrial and residential areas. The statement claims the area’s traffic system will be transformed within the next two years.
Dr Shinde thanked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde on behalf of citizens of the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency.