Thane’s metro dreams depend on feasibility Teen Hath Naka-Wadala metro rail is economically viable, says study

Thane’s metro dreams depend on feasibility

Teen Hath Naka-Wadala metro rail is economically viable, says study

Thanekars have a reason to cheer. The metro rail project, which was earlier supposed to come up between Mulund and Ghatkopar, has now been extended from Teen Hath Naka to Wadala. A feasibility survey was conducted recently and it reveals that the project is economically feasible, an officer from Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said. The project has been extended to ensure east-west suburban connectivity and provide a comfortable journey. Initially, the Mulund-Ghatkopar metro line was to cover a 12.4-km-stretch, but with the extension it will now cover around 20 kms. “This extension will help in connecting other metro rail routes, thus increasing the network and simultaneously saving commuting time,” said K Vijayalakshmi, additional chief, transport and communication division, MMRDA. “Consulting Engineering Services (CES), consultants for the project, will finalise the cost of the project in 15 days,” she added. Thanekars are happy because the metro rail line will now directly connect them to Mumbai. Santosh Raut, a resident, said: “Finally the authorities have focussed their attention to enhancing connectivity between the two cities. In the last few years, many people have moved to Thane from Mumbai and other regions. This metro line will provide better connectivity.” The metro line will decentralise Thane station, which is one of the busiest and crowded stations. More than six lakh commuters use the station daily and this makes Thane station one of the highest revenue-generating stations; the annual profits are to the tune of Rs71 crore and daily earning comes to around Rs24 lakh. The station has 10 platforms and 21 ticket windows.