Central Railway has announced a major infrastructure boost for Mumbai’s Thane station, with platforms 2, 3, and 4 set to be extended to accommodate 15-coach local trains by December 2025. The move aims to ease congestion, improve commuter comfort, and enhance capacity for over five lakh daily passengers.
                                        
                        
	All Aboard the Upgrade: Thane Station Set for ₹86.97 Crore Platform Extension to Handle 15-Coach Locals
	 
	In a welcome development for Mumbai’s suburban rail commuters, Central Railway has greenlit the extension of platforms 2, 3, and 4 at Thane railway station to support 15-coach local trains. The project, expected to be completed by December 2025, is part of a broader initiative to modernize Mumbai’s overburdened rail infrastructure and improve the daily commute for lakhs of passengers.
	 
	 Key Highlights of the Upgrade:
	Why the Upgrade?
	 
	Thane is one of the busiest suburban stations, serving over five lakh commuters daily.
	 
	The current 12-coach platforms are insufficient to handle peak-hour crowds, leading to overcrowding and safety concerns.
	 
	Scope of Work
	 
	Platforms 2, 3, and 4 will be extended to accommodate 15-coach rakes, aligning with Central Railway’s plan to standardize longer trains across the network.
	 
	The project is part of a larger ₹86.97 crore investment in suburban rail infrastructure.
	 
	Commuter Benefits
	 
	The extension will increase passenger capacity by 25% per train, easing congestion during rush hours.
	 
	It will also reduce boarding delays and improve overall train punctuality.
	 
	Network-Wide Impact
	 
	Thane is among 34 stations identified for platform extensions between CSMT and Kasara/Khopoli.
	 
	The initiative follows a safety audit after the June 2025 Mumbra station incident, which highlighted the need for longer platforms.
	 
	Execution Timeline
	 
	Work is already underway and is expected to be completed by end of 2025, with minimal disruption to daily services.
	 
	Central Railway has assured commuters of phased construction to maintain operational continuity.
	 
	This platform extension is more than just a structural change—it’s a lifeline for Thanekars, promising smoother, safer, and more spacious travel in one of India’s most crowded rail corridors.
	 
	Sources: Free Press Journal, Pudhari News