The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has launched tenders for civil contracts to move forward with the construction of the Metro Line-12 corridor.  

The Line-12 is planned to provide connectivity on the Kalyan-Taloja stretch, through an elevated corridor and will have 17 stations.

This line will be an extension of the under construction 24.9-km-long metro Line-5, the orange line of the Mumbai Metro network, running between Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan.  

The development of this corridor is catching pace following the announcement related to the allotment of Rs 1,521 crore funding for the project, by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

As per a report by MetroRail Today, the MMRDA has invited tender notices in two packages.

One package includes design and construction of an elevated viaduct and nine elevated stations between Kalyan and Kolegaon.

This construction is proposed to be carried out with a 30-month completion period and has an estimated cost of Rs 783 crore.

The second package covers the design and construction of elevated viaduct of the remaining corridor, along with development of eight elevated stations between the stretch of Kolegaon and Taloja.

The estimated cost of this package is Rs 738.80 crore with a 30-month completion period.

As part of the orange line, this corridor will be 20.75 km long, creating a metro rail network in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), outside of Greater Mumbai limits.

These extended suburbs of Mumbai have been witnessing a surge in population, commerce, and capital resources, however, currently lack suitable public transportation systems to fulfil the transit demand between the regions and the mainland.

Additionally, it is expected to provide hassle-free access to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International, reports TOI.

The under-construction Navi Mumbai international airport will become operational in 2024, according to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

This corridor will have a link with the Metro Line-4 and 4A, running between Wadala-Ghatkopar-Kasarvadavali-Gaimukh.

This interconnection will offer convenient connectivity to commuters travelling from eastern regions to Taloja at the option of two interchanging stations.

At present, passengers wishing to reach Taloja have limited options, including traveling by road, or relying on the suburban rail systems — by taking a train up to Diva and change to another local, heading either to Panvel or Roha — which are also less frequent.