Shiv Sena wants station near Thane

Mumbai: In the backdrop of the stampede on Friday on Parel-Elphinstone Road FOB that claimed 23 lives, the Shiv Sena has demanded another railway station between Thane and Mulund to decongest Thane station which is used by 7 lakh commuters every day. The proposed extended Thane station will come up near Thane Mental hospital, making it convenient for commuters to directly go to areas like Ghodbandar, avoiding Thane city. The project will cost about Rs 150 crore for the railways.

Guardian minister of Thane Eknath Shinde is pursuing the matter and has already had two meetings with the CM. The issue is now before the health department and railway ministry for further approval.

Thane is one of the crowded railway stations and connects central as well as Navi Mumbai area with the trans-harbour line. Shinde said, “We receive 7 lakh footfalls every day. During peak hours, the station is so crowded that people literally stand outside trains. We are now pushing for an extended Thane station between Mulund and Thane. We have even identified 18 acres of land at the state-owned mental hospital.”

Shinde has been following up on the issue with the state government as well as the railways. Shinde said, “We want commuters staying in faraway areas like Ghodbandar, Vartak Nagar and Wagle estate to get off at the Thane extended station and directly go home via the highway. They will not have to come to the city. This will resolve huge traffic issues of Thane city. Also, the load on Thane station can be reduced.”

The matter is now before the health department which runs the mental hospital. The land will be given to the railways to construct facilities like bridge, ticket counter, platform etc.