Shiv Sena Pushes for Anand Dighe's Name on New Thane-Mulund Railway Station
In a significant development for Mumbai's suburban rail network, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske has formally demanded that the upcoming railway station between Thane and Mulund be named after the late party leader Dharmaveer Anand Dighe. This request comes after railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav approved a substantial fund of Rs 250 crore for the execution of the long-delayed project.
Funding Approval and Naming Proposal
Mhaske shared a detailed statement on Monday, highlighting that the funding approval was secured following his parliamentary request and a joint appeal made earlier in 2024 with MP Shrikant Shinde. The Rs 250 crore allocation has been forwarded to the Railway Board, paving the way for construction to commence imminently.
"We have strongly advocated for naming this station as Dharmveer Anand Dighe Station, representing the wishes of our Sena chief leader and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde," Mhaske emphasized. The move underscores the party's commitment to honoring its stalwart leader, who was a prominent figure in Thane's political landscape.
Project Background and Delays
The new station, designed to alleviate commuting woes for thousands of residents in the fringe areas of Thane and Mulund, has faced multiple setbacks since its inception in 2015. Initially, the project was slated to be funded through Thane smart city resources, but financial constraints at the municipal corporation level prompted a shift in strategy.
Recognizing the lean financial condition of the corporation, MPs Mhaske and Shinde intervened, urging the railways to assume responsibility and finance the works. This proactive approach has now borne fruit with the recent funding approval, marking a crucial step forward in addressing the region's transportation challenges.
Impact and Future Steps
The station is expected to significantly ease daily travel for lakhs of commuters, reducing congestion and improving connectivity in the bustling metropolitan area. With the funds now in place, authorities are poised to kickstart construction, bringing relief to residents who have long awaited this infrastructure boost.
As the project moves forward, the Shiv Sena's naming proposal will likely undergo further deliberation, reflecting the party's enduring influence and its efforts to memorialize key figures in public infrastructure. This development not only highlights progress in urban rail expansion but also the intersection of politics and public works in Maharashtra's evolving transport landscape.
