Thane commuters are set to get a direct rail link to the Konkan region as Indian Railways launches a daily Express service between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Sawantwadi Road on September 3, 2026, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis scheduled to flag off the inaugural service at 12:20 pm from CSMT.
The new train is expected to provide a more convenient travel option for Thane residents heading towards the Konkan belt, eliminating the need to travel to other terminals in south Mumbai for direct services. Thane MP Naresh Mhaske and Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde have been among the local representatives supporting the demand for improved Konkan connectivity.
The inaugural train is also expected to receive a reception at Thane station, with local residents and representatives participating in the event.
Daily Service Covering 510 Km
The new service will operate daily under train numbers 15087 from CSMT to Sawantwadi Road and 15088 on the return journey. The route will cover approximately 510 km and include 22 halts, linking Mumbai and Thane with several important destinations across the Konkan region.
Stations on the Konkan route include Mangaon, Veer, Khed, Chiplun, Savarda, Aravali Road, Sangameshwar Road, Ratnagiri, Adavali, Vilavade, Rajapur Road, Vaibhavwadi Road, Nandgaon Road, Kankavli, Sindhudurg, Kudal and Sawantwadi Road.
Timely Boost Ahead of Ganeshotsav
The service comes ahead of the Ganeshotsav season, when thousands of families with roots in the Konkan region travel from Thane and neighbouring parts of Mumbai. The direct connection is expected to make festival travel more convenient while also supporting tourism and regional movement.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the service was approved by under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative.
Beyond seasonal travel, the daily train is expected to strengthen year-round connectivity between the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Konkan destinations. Improved rail access could also support tourism, local commerce and economic activity across the coastal belt.
For Thane’s large Konkan-origin population, the direct CSMT-Sawantwadi service marks a significant expansion in rail connectivity and provides an additional option for travelling to the region without the need for multiple connections.
Source: The Free Press Journal
