The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project in Maharashtra, paving the way for a 29 km transit corridor aimed at easing urban congestion.
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The corridor runs along the western periphery of Thane city, bounded by the Ulhas River on one side and Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) on the other. It serves Naupada, Wagle Estate, Dongripada, Hiranandani Estate, Kolshet and Saket.
Thane Metro Rail Route & Stations
Of the 29 km route, 26 km will be elevated and 3 km underground, with 22 stations in total. The release names the areas served but does not list every station.
The Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project will be funded through equal equity from the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra, supplemented by part-funding from bilateral agencies. The release also describes innovative financing, including selling station naming and access rights to corporates, monetising assets and Value Capture Financing. It does not give the amount each source is expected to provide.
Maha Metro will execute the civil, electromechanical and other associated works. Pre-bid activities have started and tender documents are being prepared. The release states: “The contracts will be floated immediately for bidding.”
The government projects daily ridership of 6.47 lakh passengers in 2029, rising to 7.61 lakh in 2035 and 8.72 lakh in 2045. The corridor is intended to provide a sustainable and efficient transport option, ease traffic congestion, support the city’s economic potential and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also highlights faster and cheaper journeys for students and office commuters.
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