25.2.10

Global dreams for Thane station

Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee added another suburban station Thane to the list of World class stations. Two years ago in his railway budget the then flamboyant Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad declared CST as a world class station. Besides this suburban station on Central Railway another station on WR Surat has also made it to the list. When a station is slotted under this bracket, am ambitious plan is drawn to upgrade its surroundings so that commuters have safe and comfortable passenger services with all modern amenities to meet ever increasing population. The project also looks at superior road connectivity, parking within the station premises, smooth arrival/ departure and movement of pedestrians, passenger vehicles, modern train maintenance facilities; modern operational offices, residential quarters and other facilities for railway staff; integrated development with the surrounding city, commercial exploitation of the available land and creation under a private public partnership model. Senior Railway officials said that Thane has “rightfully” got this status. “The first train ran between CST and Thane (then called Thana) in 1853. This station has immense historical importance to Indian Railways,” he said. Chief PRO, CR, S C Mudgerikar added that Thane is today the second busiest and the largest hub on CR’s suburban network in terms of number of passengers who use the station. “After the opening of the Thane-Vashi trans harbour line corridor opening there are 10 platforms there. There is continuous effort to upgrade the station,” he said. Railway officials said that the east side of this station can be commercially exploited as there is land there and the remodeling of the existing building on its west side can also be considered. “We can learn from the on-going process at CST,” said the official. Meanwhile at CST, the master plan of the project is nearly ready. Three plans have been finalized and will be shortly sent to the Railway Board for approval. The financial angle and feasibility is also being worked out. “The project at Thane can be a reality if there is political will and funds,” he said. The CST project is likely to take off after 12-18 months.

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