Commuters travelling between Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar could soon get a major alternative to the congested roads after the Maharashtra government approved the long-awaited Metro Line 13 project.
The state Cabinet Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the 25.03-km Metro Line 13 at an estimated cost of ₹17,724.99 crore.
The project is expected to create a direct metro connection between several fast-growing areas of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including Mira Road, Naigaon, Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar.
25-Km Metro Line To Have 16 Stations
Metro Line 13 will stretch for approximately 25.03 km.
Most of the corridor will be elevated, covering around 21.78 km, while another 3.25 km will run underground.
The line will have 16 stations in total:
- 13 elevated stations
- 3 underground stations
The project is being planned to provide commuters with a faster and more reliable public transport option between the two rapidly developing parts of the MMR.
Big Six-Lane Bridge Over Vasai Creek
One of the most important parts of Metro Line 13 will be a 4.92-km six-lane road-cum-metro bridge over Vasai Creek.
The bridge will provide a crucial connection towards Paanju Island and is expected to become one of the key infrastructure components of the project.
A dedicated metro depot at Chikhal Dongri has also been proposed to support the operation and maintenance of the line.
Metro To Connect Major Railway Stations
The new corridor is being designed to connect with major railway stations in the Vasai-Virar region.
Metro Line 13 will provide connectivity to Naigaon, Nalasopara and Virar railway stations, allowing commuters to switch between suburban trains and metro services.
The corridor will also connect with Metro Line 9 at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium, creating an interchange with the wider Mumbai Metro network.
To make travelling easier after passengers leave the metro, bus services are planned at all 16 stations.
Government Sets Five-Year Deadline
The Maharashtra government has set a target of completing the project within five years from the date of approval.
The project will require approximately 24.84 hectares of land.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to complete the required land acquisition and approach-road work within six months, allowing construction activity to move forward.
Nearly 4.5 Lakh Passengers Expected Every Day
Officials estimate that Metro Line 13 could carry approximately 4.49 lakh passengers every day by 2031.
The biggest benefit could be for people currently dependent on roads to travel between Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar.
The government expects the metro corridor to reduce road travel time by nearly 50% on the affected routes.
For residents of areas such as Mira Road, Naigaon, Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar, the project could make daily travel significantly easier once operational.
Could Reduce Traffic And Pollution
The government expects the new metro line to encourage more people to use public transport instead of private vehicles.
A shift towards metro travel could help reduce traffic pressure on major roads and highways in the region while also lowering fuel consumption and vehicle-related emissions.
Better connectivity could also support industrial, commercial and logistics activity by making it easier for workers and businesses to travel between important centres in the MMR.
The state government has now approved the project, with the next major steps involving land acquisition, preparatory work and construction.
