The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced the expansion of Metro Line 5, now spanning 34.21 km, making it one of the largest metro corridors in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This expansion includes the newly approved Metro Line 5A, which adds 11.83 km to the original project. The total cost of the project is ₹18,130 crore. The metro line will connect Thane to Kalyan and Ulhasnagar, significantly improving public transport in the region, which has long been underserved. Phase 1, covering 11.9 km from Thane to Dhamankar Naka, is nearing completion and is expected to open by the end of 2026. Commuters can expect travel times to be 40-50% faster than road travel, with direct interchanges to suburban rail and other metro lines, along with feeder bus services. This initiative is part of the MMRDA's 'Mumbai in Minutes' plan to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion in the rapidly growing eastern belt of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.