Maharashtra Assembly Election: Central Govt. Announces Major Grant for Maharashtra Ahead of Polls

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet has approved a significant infrastructure project for Maharashtra. On Friday, August 16, 2024, the Cabinet sanctioned the Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Corridor. This 29-kilometer corridor, featuring 22 stations, will connect the western part of Thane city, linking the Ulhas River on one side and Sanjay Gandhi National Park on the other. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that Thane, one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing cities, is being developed as an industrial hub. The project, with an estimated cost of ₹12,200 crore, aims to enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion, providing a sustainable and efficient transport option. The funding will come from a mix of central and state government contributions, bilateral agencies, and innovative financing methods, such as asset monetization and naming rights. The metro line is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters, including students and office workers, by offering a fast and affordable transportation alternative. Once completed by 2029, the metro corridor is projected to serve approximately 6.47 lakh passengers daily in 2029, with figures rising to 7.61 lakh in 2035 and 8.72 lakh in 2045.