The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation has taken a step toward building Thane’s circular metro corridor by inviting tenders for eight stations under the Thane Ring Metro project. Furthermore, the cost of the project has been increased to INR 12,200.10 crore. This is higher than the earlier estimate of INR 10,893 crore made nearly seven years ago.
The 29-kilometre metro line will have a total of 22 stations. Bids have been invited for stations at Manpada, Vijay Nagri, Dongripada, Waterfront, Patlipada, Waghbil, Thane Junction, and New Thane. Of these, six stations will be elevated. Thane Junction and New Thane will be built underground.
According to MahaMetro figures cited in a Hindustan Times report, the two underground stations are expected to cost INR 223.70 crore. The six elevated stations are estimated to cost INR 228.44 crore. However, the final cost may change depending on the bids received and challenges faced during construction.
The bid documents show different construction timelines for elevated and underground stations. The elevated stations are expected to be completed in two and a half years. The underground stations have a planned construction period of five years. Groundwork for the project is likely to begin after rainy season.
The Thane Ring Metro project will be funded jointly by the Maharashtra government and the central government. Additional funding is expected from bilateral funding agencies and international development banks. Changes in project planning and rising costs have delayed the timeline. The metro corridor was earlier expected to be ready by 2025. It is now expected to become largely operational by 2029.
Once completed, the Thane Ring Metro will function as an intra-city metro system. The corridor will also act as a feeder route for Mumbai Metro Lines 4 and 4A, which connect Gaimukh to Wadala, and Metro Line 5. The Detailed Project Report also estimates strong passenger demand for the corridor.