A citizens' group comprising transport experts and urban planners has urged the government to subject the proposed ₹12,200-crore Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail (TIRMR) project to fresh scrutiny. The group expressed apprehensions regarding projected ridership estimates, financial viability, and environmental impact, among other issues.
Key Concerns Raised by the Group
Addressing the media, the group argued that the proposed 29-kilometer circular metro corridor, which includes 22 stations, could become an expensive investment that fails to address Thane's actual mobility needs. Independent reviews by transport planner Ashish Verma and urban planner Sulakshana Mahajan were presented, revealing that the projected passenger demand does not justify a heavy metro system. The commuting patterns in Thane remain largely radial rather than circular, raising doubts about the project's effectiveness.
Underground Stretch and Connectivity Issues
Concerns were also raised over the proposed underground stretch near Thane railway station. Residents fear that this could trigger prolonged traffic disruptions without publicly disclosed mitigation plans. Mahajan questioned the lack of clarity on how the project plans to ease commutes in terms of seamless connectivity, noting that most stations are located at a distance from metro lines 4 and 5. She remarked that the existing route map shows the ring route crossing over other metros and then diving underground, leading to questions about whether planners are designing a roller coaster ride.
Environmental and Tree Impact Discrepancies
The group highlighted discrepancies in the number of trees likely to be affected. While the MahaMetro Detailed Project Report (DPR) estimated 662 trees, the municipal Tree Authority identified 3,224 trees for felling or transplantation. Questions were also raised over the impact on mangroves near Thane Creek and the absence of a publicly available environmental assessment. Mahajan expressed fears about the potential flooding of tunnels adjoining the creek, which remains unaddressed.
Political and Public Reactions
Recently, NCP-SP Thane president Manoj Pradhan urged the government to strengthen the network of public transport buses instead. Some residents suggested holding the project until metro line 4 becomes operational. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar acknowledged the project's importance but emphasized that residents' concerns must also be addressed.
A response from MahaMetro was awaited at the time of reporting.
