Lakhs of commuters travelling between Mira Road, Vasai, Naigaon, Nalasopara and Virar could soon have a faster alternative to road travel, with the Maharashtra Cabinet Infrastructure Committee approving the ₹17,724.99-crore Metro Line 13 project.
The 25.03-km corridor, to be implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), will connect key residential and emerging growth areas across Thane and Palghar districts. The project will have 16 stations, including 13 elevated and three underground stations.
One of the biggest highlights of the project is a proposed 4.92-km integrated six-lane road and Metro bridge across Vasai Creek. The bridge is expected to provide a direct link between the two regions and eliminate the existing road detour of around 32 km, potentially saving commuters considerable travel time.
Metro Line 13 will provide interchange connectivity with suburban railway stations at Naigaon, Nalasopara and Virar, making it easier for commuters to combine Metro and local train journeys. A proposed link with Metro Line 9 at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium will further expand the network. Bus connectivity is also planned at all Metro stations, creating multiple options for last-mile travel. A Metro depot will be constructed at Chikhal Dongri.
The corridor will comprise 21.78 km of elevated track and 3.25 km of underground alignment. Once operational, the Metro is expected to reduce travel time by around 50 per cent compared with road journeys. For residents of Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar, the project could mean shorter daily commutes, better access to employment and education hubs, and easier connections to Mumbai and other parts of the Metropolitan Region.
The new corridor is also expected to reduce dependence on private vehicles, ease congestion on roads and help lower transport-related carbon emissions.
Metro Line 13 at a glance:
Length: 25.03 km
Stations: 16
Elevated: 21.78 km
Underground: 3.25 km
Estimated cost: ₹17,724.99 crore
Key bridge: 4.92-km Metro-cum-road bridge across Vasai Creek
Expected travel-time reduction: Around 50% compared with road travel
Areas connected: Mira Road, Vasai, Naigaon, Nalasopara and Virar
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