The Internal Ring Metro Railway Project (IRMRP) in Thane is set to progress, with Maharashtra Metro Railway Corporation Limited preparing to issue tenders for the construction of five elevated stations. According to the Times of India, the Nagpur-based agency aims to accelerate initial works and open a section of the route for public use ahead of full commissioning. The metro line is expected to become fully operational by 2029. Preliminary plans indicate that a 6 km priority stretch — comprising Dongripada, Vijay Nagari, Waghbil, Waterfront and Patlipada stations — may be the first to become functional. The full corridor will consist of 22 stations, including two underground facilities at the old and new Thane railway stations. The forthcoming tender round, valued at Rs 2.4 billion, is expected to be released within days. Officials also noted that a sixth station, either at Manpada or Kashinath Ghanekar, may be added depending on land availability. A senior project official said designs for the five stations are nearing completion and construction packages will be awarded shortly. The priority stretch reportedly faces fewer environmental and rehabilitation challenges, helping speed up execution. Once completed, the 29 km route — 26 km elevated and the remainder underground — is expected to reshape mobility by connecting distant neighbourhoods with Mumbai and Kalyan through Metro Lines 4 and 5. Trains are planned to operate every 15 minutes, with projected ridership of 8.72 lakh passengers per day by 2045. The Rs 122 billion project will be jointly funded by the state and central governments, along with revenue from branding rights, monetisation of station assets and value-capture mechanisms. The upcoming phase will also include geo-technical testing and coordination with municipal and traffic authorities.