The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Rs 12,200 crore Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project in Maharashtra. The 29-kilometre corridor is expected to improve public transport connectivity and help reduce traffic congestion across Thane.
The proposed metro line will run along the western edge of the city, with the Ulhas River on one side and Sanjay Gandhi National Park on the other. It will connect key neighbourhoods and employment centres, including Naupada, Wagle Estate, Dongripada, Hiranandani Estate, Kolshet and Saket.
The project will comprise 22 stations, with approximately 26 kilometres of elevated track and three kilometres underground. The network is designed to provide residents with a more convenient alternative to road-based travel, particularly students and office commuters.
Funding will come through equal equity contributions from the Central and Maharashtra governments, alongside financial support from bilateral agencies. Additional funding mechanisms will include station naming and access rights for corporate sponsors, asset monetisation and Value Capture Financing. However, the government has not disclosed the expected contribution from each source.
Maha Metro will oversee civil construction, electromechanical installations and associated works. Preparatory activities have begun, including pre-bid procedures and the preparation of tender documents. The official announcement stated: “The contracts will be floated immediately for bidding.”
The government estimates that the metro will carry approximately 6.47 lakh passengers daily in 2029. Ridership is projected to increase to 7.61 lakh passengers per day by 2035 and 8.72 lakh by 2045.
Once operational, the corridor is expected to offer a more sustainable transport option while improving access between residential areas and commercial hubs. By encouraging commuters to shift from private vehicles to public transport, the project also aims to ease pressure on Thane’s road network and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The approval marks a significant step towards expanding the region’s mass transit infrastructure. With its planned connections across major residential and employment zones, the Thane Integral Ring Metro is expected to support future urban growth and strengthen mobility across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Source: Elets Smart City
