The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the crucial Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project (IRMRP) corridor, officials announced.The Maharashtra Metro Railway Corporation Limited (MMRCL) will undertake this project, marking its inaugural greenfield venture in the metropolitan region. Prime Minister Modi stated on X, "It is our constant endeavour to ensure Maharashtra gets modern infrastructure. Today, the Union Cabinet has cleared the Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project. This is a landmark infrastructure project that will link key areas in and around Thane, enhancing comfort and convenience."
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri, and former MoHUA Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for their support of the project. He said on X, "The Thane metro will significantly improve connectivity within the city. We have conducted extensive follow-up with the Centre to secure approval for the project."
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also thanked Prime Minister Modi for the approval, calling it "tremendous news for Maharashtra." He added, "Thank you, Hon PM Narendra Modi ji? Rs 122 billion for Thane Integral Ring Metro. The project will significantly reduce traffic congestion, benefit the environment, and accelerate further development."
Officials stated that the project aims to alleviate commuting difficulties for Thane residents. The 29-kilometer-long route, featuring 22 stations along the western side of the city, will connect distant areas to both the new and old Thane railway stations within an hour. Approximately 26 kilometers of the route will be elevated, with the remaining portion underground.
The project is scheduled to begin operations by 2029, connecting remote residential and commercial hubs like Wagle Estate, Ghodbunder, Kolshet, and Saket to the old and new railway stations. It will also link to Mumbai and Kalyan via the ongoing metro lines 4 and 5. Among the 22 stations, the new and old Thane railway stations will be constructed underground.
Each of the six-coach rakes, with an estimated carrying capacity of 1,500 passengers, will operate in both directions at intervals of approximately 15 minutes, completing the loop within an hour. The planners anticipate a total daily ridership of 872,000 passengers on the metro corridor by 2045.
The Rs 122 billion project will be jointly financed by the state and central governments, with additional funds raised through the sale of station names, access rights for corporations, monetization of assets, and value capture financing routes. The project is also expected to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, according to a statement released by the central government.
The MMRCL stated, "Preparations for floating tenders will begin promptly. The Thane IRMRP will benefit millions of daily city commuters, particularly those from distant locations, by offering a faster and more economical transport option. The route will also connect major business hubs and provide an efficient transport option for employees."
