The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) is advancing the ambitious Thane Ring Metro project, a 29-kilometre light rail transit (LRT) system designed to address the growing need for enhanced urban connectivity in Thane, Maharashtra. The project, featuring one circular line and 22 strategically placed stations, is poised to play a crucial role in bridging the connectivity gaps in the densely populated areas flanking Ghodbunder Road and the Eastern Express Highway.
With the state government currently awaiting central clearance for the Shinde administration’s ambitious initiative, MMRCL is proactively preparing to issue tenders for hiring consultants to meticulously plan the metro stations in detail. This preparatory step underscores the project’s significance in offering a much-needed alternative and rapid transit solution to the congested pockets of Thane, which are currently burdened by heavy traffic and over-reliance on the existing Central Railway network.
The Thane Ring Metro will not only alleviate local congestion but also serve as a crucial feeder system for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) Metro lines 4 and 5, which are key infrastructure projects connecting Wadala to Kasarvadavali. The planned integration with these metro lines, alongside the connection to the suburban Thane railway station, underscores the project’s strategic importance in creating a seamless transit network across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The 22 stations identified for the Thane Ring Metro include prominent locations such as Old Thane, Wagle Estate Circle, Lokmanya Nagar Bus Station, and Hiranandani Estate. Of these, two stations—Wadavli and Shivaji Chowk—are proposed to be subterranean, adding complexity to the project’s engineering challenges. The remaining 20 stations will be elevated, providing an elevated view of the city’s landscape while ensuring minimal disruption to the existing urban fabric. In addition to the station development, the project also plans for the construction of a train repair depot at Wadavli, further ensuring the operational efficiency of the metro system.As MMRCL prepares to engage expert consultants, the Thane Ring Metro project is moving closer to becoming a reality, promising to transform Thane’s urban transit landscape and offering a sustainable, rapid transit option to the city’s residents. The project’s success will hinge on meticulous planning and execution, with the detailed design of stations playing a pivotal role in ensuring its long-term viability and public utility.
