In the next three years, a new station new station — Digha — will be added between Thane and Airoli on the trans-harbour corridor. The project is worth Rs55 crore and is part of the Rs428 crore Kalwa-Airoli elevated rail corridor. Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), the planning and executing body for railway projects in Mumbai, recently floated tenders for the new station.
“Once the tender is finalised, it will take at least two-three years to complete the project,” said Prabhat Sahay, chairman and managing director, MRVC, adding that it was a long pending demand of those residing in the vicinity.
Railway sources said the new station would be constructed opposite Airoli Knowledge Park and have four platforms that will be linked with subways. The distance between Thane and Airoli stations is 5.76 kilometre and those residing at Mukand Company, Digha village, eastside of Kalwa, Vitawa and other areas around Thane-Belapur Road walk on the tracks to reach Thane station, thus risking their lives.
Railway officials said the new station would not only convenience people, but also bring down cases of trespassing. Once complete it will be the 115th station on Mumbai’s suburban rail network.