The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project, set to transform transportation in Maharashtra. The 29-kilometer corridor, featuring 22 stations, will encircle the western part of Thane city and is scheduled for completion by 2029. The total project cost is estimated at Rs. 12,200 crore, with equal contributions from the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra, alongside partial funding from bilateral organizations.

The new metro line will connect major areas including Naupada, Wagle Estate, Dongripada, Hiranandani Estate, Kolshet, and Saket. This project aims to provide an efficient and sustainable transportation option, significantly reducing road traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who championed this project at the central level, was thanked by MP Naresh Mhaske on behalf of Thane residents. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, and Shiv Sena group leader Dr. Shrikant Shinde were also recognized for their support.

The project will feature innovative financing methods, including the sale of station naming rights, asset monetization, and value capture financing channels. The metro line is expected to serve a daily ridership of 6.47 lakh in 2029, with projections rising to 7.61 lakh by 2035 and 8.72 lakh by 2045.

Maha Metro will oversee the project's execution, including civil and electromechanical works. Pre-tender activities and the preparation of tender documents have already commenced, with MP Naresh Mhaske expressing optimism that tenders for relevant contracts will be issued soon.