The Central Railway is set to transform Thane station by December 2025, extending three key platforms to accommodate 15-coach suburban trains — a move that promises to ease the daily struggle of over half a million commuters who use the station each day. The upgrade forms part of the Indian Railways’ broader effort to modernise Mumbai’s suburban transport system and build a more efficient, passenger-centric network.
Thane, one of Mumbai’s busiest junctions, connects thousands of commuters travelling towards CSMT, Karjat, and Kasara. With 12-coach trains frequently running at full capacity, overcrowding has become a daily ordeal. The platform extensions are expected to allow the deployment of longer trains, easing congestion, and improving travel safety during peak hours. According to officials, Platforms 2, 3, and 4 will be expanded by up to 40 metres and widened to support higher passenger flow. The redesigned platforms will include enhanced safety railings, improved lighting, and better dispersal zones to reduce crowding during arrivals and departures. The upgrades are being undertaken as part of a multi-phase infrastructure plan aimed at improving accessibility and commuter comfort.
Railway officials emphasised that the works are being planned to minimise disruption to daily services. “The goal is to ensure passenger safety and travel efficiency while maintaining operational continuity,” said an official familiar with the project. The initiative also responds to long-standing requests from passenger associations and local civic groups, who have highlighted Thane’s critical role in Mumbai’s transport network. Once complete, the station will be capable of handling longer rakes, providing additional seating and standing space to reduce the load on crowded compartments.
In 2024, Platform 5 underwent a successful widening from 10 to 13 metres using modular construction techniques — a project that significantly improved crowd management. Building on that success, the current expansion signals Central Railway’s commitment to future-ready suburban infrastructure. The project’s benefits are expected to extend beyond commuter convenience. Economically, the upgrade will support surrounding businesses, including local vendors and retailers who depend on the station’s footfall. From an environmental standpoint, increased rail capacity could also encourage modal shift from private road transport to public rail, helping reduce emissions and congestion in Mumbai’s urban core.
Experts view the Thane expansion as a symbol of India’s evolving approach to urban mobility — where railway modernisation aligns with sustainable transport principles. The move also complements ongoing Western Railway initiatives to introduce 15-coach locals on the Virar–Dahanu stretch, with track quadrupling projects currently underway. By the end of 2025, Thane is expected to stand as a model of modern suburban connectivity — an essential step toward creating a smarter, safer, and more sustainable urban rail ecosystem that reflects the evolving needs of India’s growing metropolitan population.
Also Read : Mumbai Suburban Services Affected By Sunday Rail Block
