The Union Railway Ministry has granted in-principle approval for a new suburban railway station between Thane and Mulund.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw communicated the approval to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who said the project would help make the region's transport network more efficient and better equipped to handle growing passenger demand.
Planned between the heavily crowded Thane and Mulund stations, the new halt is expected to serve commuters travelling from rapidly developing areas such as Ghodbunder Road, Pokhran Road and Wagle Estate.
Officials estimate the project could reduce passenger pressure at Thane station by nearly 31 per cent and at Mulund by around 24 per cent.
Thane station alone currently handles more than six lakh passengers every day, making it one of the most overcrowded suburban railway stations in the country.
Originally proposed in 2019, the project will be implemented by Central Railway, while funding support will come from Thane Smart City Limited.
Railways will construct the main operational infrastructure, including tracks and platforms, while the Smart City body will develop the surrounding circulation areas and supporting civic infrastructure.
The proposed station is also expected to include parking facilities, a transport deck and a bus terminal to improve multimodal connectivity.
Project costs have risen sharply over the years. Initially estimated at around Rs 120 crore, the expenditure is now expected to cross Rs 245 crore due to revisions in planning and infrastructure requirements.
In March this year, the Thane Municipal Corporation passed a resolution proposing that the station be named after late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe.
Central Railway will now prepare a Detailed Project Report, including revised cost estimates and technical plans, before seeking final approval to begin construction.