Thane Citizens Group Demands Review of Rs 12,200-Crore Ring Metro Project
A citizens’ group comprising transport experts and urban planners on Saturday urged the government to put the proposed Rs 12,200-crore Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail (TIRMR) project under fresh scrutiny.
Addressing the media in Thane, the group raised concerns over projected ridership estimates, financial viability, and environmental impacts. They argued that the proposed 29-kilometer circular metro corridor, featuring 22 stations, could become an expensive investment that fails to address the city’s actual mobility needs.
Independent reviews by transport planner Ashish Verma and urban planner Sulakshana Mahajan were presented during the meeting. Their findings indicated that projected passenger demand does not justify a heavy metro system, noting that commuting patterns in Thane remain largely radial rather than circular.
The group also highlighted significant concerns regarding the proposed underground stretch near the Thane railway station. Residents fear the construction could trigger prolonged traffic disruptions, pointing out that no mitigation plans have been publicly disclosed.
Questions were also raised about the project's integration with existing transit lines. Sulakshana Mahajan noted that most of the proposed stations are located at a distance from the Metro 4 and 5 lines, which could hinder seamless connectivity. She questioned if planners were designing a roller coaster ride, pointing out that the current route map shows the ring route crossing over other metro lines before diving underground.
On the environmental front, the group pointed out discrepancies in tree felling estimates. While the MahaMetro Detailed Project Report estimated that 662 trees would be affected, the municipal Tree Authority identified 3,224 trees for felling or transplantation.
Further concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on mangroves near Thane Creek, the risk of flooding in tunnels adjoining the creek, and the complete absence of a publicly available environmental assessment.
