Two more stations on Thane-Vashi line: CR 

Two more stations on Thane-Vashi line: CR

Dec 03, 2012 (Menafn - Hindustan Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --The Central Railway has decided to set up two more stations, Dighe and Bankode to improve connectivity on the Thane-Vashi-Panvel Transharbour line. The administration has also approached CIDCO asking for the necessary land and funds to build the stations. "If CIDCO agrees, we have no technical problem in operating the services. However, we are still waiting for their go-ahead," said Subodh Jain, General Manager, CR.

The proposed Dighe station falls between Thane and Airoli, while Bankode is between Koparkhairane and Turbhe railway stations.

Thane Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjeev Naik has also asked for the construction of the two stations in a meeting of MPs with Jain.

Transport experts, however, feel that local bus services on these routes should be improved.

"To cover the existing distance between Koparkhairane, Turbhe, Thane and Airoli, the huge investments in building new stations are not required. Instead public transport can be improvised by providing more local buses or Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS) since they also have space to do it," said Jagdeep Desai, transport activist.

"More stations will increase the time trains halt and will only affect the efficiency of services. Instead of building stations, improving the feeder route bus operation will prove better and more economical," said a railway official, requesting anonymity.

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