The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MahaMetro) has finalized the tender for designing six stations as part of the ambitious Rs 12,200 crore Thane Ring Metro Project. Turbhe-based Assystem STUP has bagged the tender to design Waterfront, Waghbil, Vijayanagari, Dongripada, Manpada, and Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar Auditorium stations. This marks a significant milestone in the project's progress.

"In addition to finalizing station designs, MahaMetro has also floated tenders for appointing general consultants. Concurrently, a topography survey is being conducted to establish the corridor’s alignment and identify potential challenges, ensuring a well-planned final alignment," a senior MahaMetro official said.

The 29-kilometer Thane Integral Ring Metro Project Corridor will encompass the western periphery of Thane city, featuring a total of 22 stations. Of these, two will be underground, while the remaining 20 will be at grade level.

The official confirmed that the corporation has set up its office at Pokhran No 2 and begun mobilizing staff for the project. Additionally, surveys are being conducted to identify underground utilities, such as cables and pipelines, that may require relocation to facilitate smooth construction.

The project is expected to significantly ease congestion and improve connectivity, particularly for daily commuters, students, and office-goers. Traffic projections indicate a Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic (PHPDT) of 23,320 and a daily ridership of 647,000 by the anticipated completion year of 2029. These figures are expected to grow to a PHPDT of 29,489 and a daily ridership of 761,000 by 2035, eventually reaching a PHPDT of 31,393 and a daily ridership of 872,000 by 2045.

The Thane Ring Metro Project is jointly funded by the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of Maharashtra (GoM), with each contributing 50% of the total cost. Around Rs 4,500 crore is being raised through bilateral agency support and innovative financing mechanisms such as station naming rights, asset monetization, and value capture financing.

Initially, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) was responsible for executing the project. However, this responsibility has now been transferred to MahaMetro. With multiple key elements falling into place, MahaMetro remains committed to delivering a world-class metro system that will revolutionize public transport in Thane, offering faster, safer, and more economical travel options for the city's growing population.

Names of stations:

Raila Devi, Wagle Circle, Lokmanya Nagar Bus Depot, Shivaji Nagar, Neelkanth Terminal, Gandhi Nagar, Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagraha, Manpada, Dongripada, Vijaynagari, Waghbil, Waterfront, Patlipada, Azad Nagar Bus Stop, Manorama Nagar, Kolshet Industrial Area, Balkum Naka, Balkumpada, Rabodi, Shivaji Chowk, Thane Junction (underground), New Thane (underground).