The Ministry of Railways has given in-principle approval for a new suburban railway station to be built between Mulund and Thane, announced Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The proposed station is expected to significantly improve daily travel for lakhs of Mumbai suburban railway commuters who face severe overcrowding on the busy Thane–Mulund stretch.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conveyed the approval through a letter addressed to Fadnavis. Sharing the development on social media, the Chief Minister on X said the station would provide a major boost to transportation infrastructure across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vaishnaw for supporting the proposal.
Commuting between Thane and Mulund during peak hours is often considered one of the toughest parts of Mumbai’s local train network, with overcrowded compartments making boarding and travel difficult for passengers. The upcoming station is expected to ease pressure on existing stations, distribute passenger traffic more evenly, and improve the overall commuting experience.
The project is also expected to strengthen connectivity for nearby residential and commercial areas by offering easier access to the suburban railway network. Improved passenger distribution could help reduce congestion during rush hours and make train operations more efficient.
The demand for a railway station at the site had been pending for several years, with local political leaders advocating for its construction to improve commuter convenience. The station was originally proposed in 2019 and is planned on nearly 14.83 acres of land belonging to the Thane Mental Hospital, located on the western side between Thane and Mulund.
Earlier approved under Thane Smart Projects Limited, the project had experienced multiple delays over the years. However, officials believe the station could substantially reduce the heavy passenger load currently handled by both Thane and Mulund stations once operations begin.
The upcoming facility is also expected to benefit commuters travelling from areas such as Ghodbunder Road, Pokhran Road, and Wagle Estate. In addition to improving railway access, the project is expected to enhance integration with other modes of public transport, making travel more convenient for residents across the region.
At present, Thane railway station handles over six lakh passengers daily, making it one of the busiest and most crowded suburban railway stations in India.
Earlier, in March 2026, authorities had also approved a proposal to name the upcoming station after late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe.