The Ministry of Railways has given principle approval for a new suburban railway station between Mulund and Thane. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav informed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about this decision in a letter dated May 8, 2026. This project aims to improve connectivity and reduce the heavy rush on the existing stations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Where will the new station be built and who will manage it?
The station will be developed on 14.83 acres of land belonging to the Thane Mental Hospital, which was transferred to the railways in 2023. Central Railway will lead the project and build the main infrastructure. Thane Smart City Limited will provide funding and handle the development of the circulating area. The project cost is now expected to exceed 245 crore rupees, up from the initial estimate of 120 crore rupees.
How will this benefit the daily commuters?
The new station will provide direct access to passengers from Ghodbunder, Pokhran Road, and Wagle Estate areas. It is expected to significantly lower the crowd at nearby stations. The following table shows the expected impact on passenger load:
| Station Name | Expected Reduction in Crowd |
|---|---|
| Thane Station | 31% |
| Mulund Station | 24% |
To make travel easier, the station will include a bus terminal, a deck, and dedicated parking spaces for vehicles. Central Railway will now prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) before starting the actual construction work.
What is the naming and history of this project?
The idea for this station first came up in 2019. In March 2026, the Thane Municipal Corporation passed a proposal to name the new station after the late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe. MP Naresh Mhaske had previously requested financial support from the Railway Ministry to make this project a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who will fund the new station project?
Thane Smart City Limited will fund the project and manage the circulating area, while Central Railway will build the main infrastructure.
Which areas will benefit from this new station?
Passengers from Ghodbunder, Pokhran Road, and Wagle Estate areas will get better connectivity and easier travel.