Thane station leads from the front, again

With this project, Thane station will be the first to widen platforms within the space limitation. File pic

Central Railway has decided to widen an existing and functional platform at Thane station within the space limitations in a bid to lessen crowding. This is the first such attempt by the zonal railway and will set a precedent for other crowded stations. The project would involve not only realigning tracks and overhead wires, but also signalling cables and ancillaries such as drains and other functional assets.

A senior CR official said, "The work will be taken up at platforms 5 and 6 which see fast train movements. Widening of the platform will help dissipate crowd levels during rush hour." CR Mumbai Divisional Manager Rajnish Kumar Goyal had, during his first visit to Thane station after assuming charge, said that he was looking to decongest stations by shifting tracks to widen platforms. He had also said that he wanted to improve the UTS app to make it easier for the commuters to buy their tickets online.

Thane station sees an average passenger footfall of 6 lakh a day

During this visit to Thane station, which sees an average passenger footfall of 6 lakh a day, Goyal said, "There are many unnecessary things and stalls on the crowded narrow island platforms. We will see whether they can be removed. Alternatively, we can also look at widening platforms by shifting tracks wherever possible." Goyal had also promised to restore Neral-Matheran train services which he fulfilled in October.

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Senior railway officials said they have already begun the process of shifting trains from crowded platforms 5 and 6. Eighteen pairs of long-distance trains have been moved to other platforms and the platforms currently cater to 10 pairs of long-distance trains which, too, will be shifted to make more room for suburban passengers.

6L
Average passenger footfall at Thane station daily