Ulhasnagar’s 3.5-km double-decker plan puts proposed Metro above road flyover

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has completed a detailed project report for a proposed 3.5-km flyover along the Kalyan-Ambernath state highway in Ulhasnagar, with the consultant recommending an integrated double-decker arrangement for road and Metro traffic.

The proposed corridor would extend from the Shantinagar main entrance to the Saibaba temple, passing through a busy stretch of the city that serves commercial markets, major junctions and densely populated neighbourhoods.

Under the consultant’s recommendation, the proposed Metro Line 5A extension would run on the upper level, a vehicular flyover would be built below it, and the existing highway would remain at ground level, reported The Times of India.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority appointed Urban Mass Transit Company Ltd to prepare the detailed project report. In a letter dated October 15, the authority informed Ulhasnagar MLA Kumar Ailani that the report had been prepared and further action was under way.

Ailani had written to MMRDA in September seeking action on the proposed flyover. Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde has also advocated an integrated transport arrangement to improve movement along the highway.

The road is one of Ulhasnagar’s main arterial routes and carries traffic serving residential areas, commercial markets and adjoining urban centres. Congestion along the stretch frequently affects commuters and businesses.

The proposed Metro Line 5A is planned as an 11.83-km extension towards Ulhasnagar, with seven proposed stations. It is estimated to cost around Rs 4,063 crore.

With the extension, the overall planned Metro Line 5 corridor, including the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan section, would span 34.21 km.

The integrated structure is intended to make more efficient use of limited road space while separating through traffic from local movements.

However, completion of the detailed project report does not mean the flyover has received final construction approval. Further decisions will be required on the project design, funding, approvals and implementation.

If approved, the scheme could improve traffic movement around Shantinagar, Saibaba temple and other busy junctions along the Kalyan-Ambernath highway.