August 11, 2025: The long-awaited Metro service in Thane is expected to commence by December this year, according to Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Speaking to reporters after flagging off the Thane Varsha Marathon, Shinde revealed that trial runs on the line are planned for next month, paving the way for its official launch.
“Efforts are under way to conduct the trial run of the Thane Metro in September. We aim to begin commercial operations by December. Work is progressing at a rapid pace,” Shinde said, as reported by PTI. Once operational, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) will enjoy enhanced metro connectivity, offering seamless last-mile and end-to-end commuting options.
The Deputy CM also confirmed that preliminary work has commenced on Thane’s internal Metro network, which will be linked to the main Metro lines to provide integrated transport facilities. On wider infrastructure plans, he highlighted the freeway extension from Mumbai to Thane, which is expected to ease congestion and divert traffic bound for the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) away from the city.
Shinde added that the Thane district collector, municipal commissioner, and police commissioner have been tasked with making the city congestion-free. “They are working towards it, and soon Thane will be free from traffic jams,” he stated.
The minister also pointed to the restoration of Jogila Lake, which had been encroached upon by nearly 250 huts. “We relocated the encroaching residents and freed the lake. This is perhaps the first such project in the country where a water body has been fully restored after removing all encroachments,” he noted.
The Thane Varsha Marathon, organised by the Thane Municipal Corporation in collaboration with sports bodies after a long gap, saw over 25,000 participants, reflecting the city’s strong community spirit.
Source: Times Now
