Sanjay Kelkar Questions Maha-Metro Over Late Thane Ring Metro Consultations

BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar on Wednesday criticised Maha-Metro for initiating public consultations for the Integral Ring Metro project only after work had already commenced, questioning why key stakeholders and residents across localities such as Upvan, Hiranandani Estate, and Chendani Koliwada were not engaged before securing critical approvals from central and state agencies.

The consultation meeting took place a week after Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde instructed authorities to conduct citizen outreach. The session saw participation from citizen representatives across Hiranandani Estate, Chendani Koliwada, and Upvan, alongside the citizen forum Wake Up Thanekar, who voiced their concerns over the planning and execution process.

Addressing the timeline of the infrastructure initiative, Kelkar stressed that a potential delay of four months would be acceptable if it guarantees minimal disruption and provides maximum benefits to local residents. He raised specific concerns regarding the current alignment, noting that 29 commercial establishments in Upvan, some of which have operated for nearly five decades, face displacement under the proposed blueprint.

According to Kelkar, project officials have provided assurances that the commercial units affected by the metro alignment will be rehabilitated and re-established within the same locality.

In addition to the concerns raised by Kelkar, the Nationalist Congress Party in Thane has formally sought a detailed discussion on the metro project during the upcoming General Body Meeting next week. The party questioned the rationale of advancing a large-scale transport infrastructure initiative without first addressing public feedback and resolving citizens' objections.