Thane: Thane and Virar, two of the four proposed bullet train stations in Maharashtra, will be developed as multimodal integrated stations, linking several modes of transport—including railway, metro, inner metro, buses, jetties (waterways), and cab-rickshaw services.

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail project will feature 12 stations in total, with Mumbai, Thane, Virar, and Boisar forming the Maharashtra cluster. To ensure these nodes are developed in a planned manner, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Government of India, the Government of Japan, and the state government.

On September 26, an international seminar was held in Thane with participation from central and state representatives, Gujarat and Japanese government officials, local civic bodies, and other stakeholders. The seminar aimed to define a roadmap for the development of the station areas.

“The policy formulation of the high-speed railway station areas is already underway. Such seminars provide valuable brainstorming for transit-oriented development that will ultimately benefit end-users,” said Asim Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department (UDD).

For Thane and Virar, the development plans will be prepared jointly by the local civic bodies, the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and UDD. Explaining the importance of these projects, D. Thara, Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, said, “Thane and Virar are our pioneer projects. We expect full participation from stakeholders to deliver results that match the government’s vision.”

Officials believe that well-planned station areas will attract industries, boost employment, and encourage entrepreneurship. Jitendra Bhopale, Director of Urban Development and Valuation Department, noted, “BKC, Thane, Virar, and Boisar will serve as model station area developments.”

Key Highlights of Thane High-Speed Station

• Over 25% of the station area will be reserved for greenery.
• Thane will become India’s first multimodal integrated bullet train station.
• The hub will connect seamlessly to airports, highways, metro, railways, buses, and waterways.
• All transport facilities will be available at a single location for public convenience.
• The entire system will be integrated in a planned and complementary manner, assured Saurabh Rao, Thane Municipal Commissioner.