Thane-Panvel fast trains from Feb 5

Thane-Panvel fast trains from Feb 5 For many years Navi Mumbaikars had been demanding fast train service to the outskirts of the city. Now the city is all set to get its first fast train to Thane from February 5. The train will cut travel time between the two stations from 55 to 46 minutes. The news has come as breather for thousands of commuters on the route. Dinesh Parikh, President, Navi Mumbai Railway Pravasi Sangh says, "More than 60 percent residents of the city are travelling to outskirts of the city for work. Similarly, many people from the outskirts come to Navi Mumbai for work in the biggest industrial belt of MIDC. The service will enable the commuters to have a faster and more comfortable ride to work". Central Railway PRO AK Singh informs that there will be two fast trains running from Thane to Panvel. Its stoppages enroute will be at Kopar Khairane, Nerul, Belapur and Kharghar stations. After this Panvel-Thane service, commuters are looking forward to starting of a fast train from CST to Panvel. Singh informs that there is no hurdle between Panvel and Mankhurd but problems are caused by the huge pockets of slums along the route. A detailed study is going on to find a solution, he adds. Manoj Gole says he is happy over the new service but at least two fast trains should be run between Vashi and Thane.