Opposition Grows Against Thane Ring Metro Over Planning and Environmental Concerns
Residents and urban experts criticize the Thane Ring Metro project as a financial drain and fault the planning for overlooking key issues. The project faces calls for suspension as redundancy, environmental threats, and insufficient ridership projections are highlighted. Civic activists advocate for increased scrutiny and redirection of funds.
- Country:
- India
Citizens and urban transport specialists have raised significant objections to the Rs 12,200 crore Thane Ring Metro project, arguing it misuses public funds and contains core planning and environmental errors.
The Citizens for Sustainable Transport and the Thane Green Collective demand an immediate halt to progress, urging an independent assessment. Critics highlight the 29-km project creates redundant routes and neglects densely populated areas.
Sulakshana Mahajan, an urban planner, states, "The design overlaps with existing lines, missing real connectivity gaps." Concerns include overlooking areas like Kalwa, Mumbra, and Diva, affecting 2.7 million residents. Hema Ramani, another local advocate, questions the viability of the project with its projected ridership only reaching 28,000 by 2050.
Furthermore, activists are troubled by environmental impacts, noting discrepancies in the number of trees affected and potential damage to Thane Creek's mangroves. They warn of traffic disruptions during construction near Thane station.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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