Thane Ring Metro: Eknath Shinde directs MahaMetro to address residents' concerns through public outreach

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation MahaMetro officials to conduct interactive sessions with residents to address concerns surrounding the proposed Thane Ring Metro projectThe direction was issued during a review meeting chaired by Shinde at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai on Monday where MahaMetro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar presented the projects operational roadmap according to an official releaseThe proposed Thane Ring Metro estimated to cost Rs 12200 crore has generated debate among residents and urban transport experts with some questioning its alignment utility and impact on existing transport infrastructurePublic engagement to improve awareness and transparencyDuring the meeting BJP MLC Madhavi Naik stressed the importance of strengthening communication between government agencies and residentsAccording to the official release Naik said the Ring Metro project is essential to meet the transportation needs of Thanes rapidly growing population but inadequate public outreach has resulted in confusion among local residentsShe emphasised the need for transparent discussions involving citizens elected representatives and urban planning experts to ensure that concerns related to the project are addressed before construction progressesResponding to these concerns Shinde instructed MahaMetro officials to organise joint interactive seminars and public dialogue sessions in neighbourhoods along the proposed metro corridor The sessions will involve local representatives subject experts and residents to explain the projects objectives route alignment and expected benefitsAwareness campaign planned during Ganesh festivalAs part of its public outreach strategy MahaMetro will also launch an awareness campaign during the upcoming Ganesh festivalAccording to the official release informative banners explaining various aspects of the Ring Metro project will be installed at key locations across Thane to help residents better understand the proposed corridor and its significance for the citys future transport networkThe initiative is aimed at increasing public awareness and addressing misconceptions surrounding the project through accessible informationProject could be completed in threeandahalf yearsDuring the review meeting MahaMetro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar said the project could be completed within threeandahalf years provided land acquisition and statutory approvals are completed on scheduleHe said timely acquisition of land and the availability of technical clearances would be critical to maintaining the proposed construction timelineState Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and Thane Member of Parliament Naresh Mhaske also attended the review meetingTransport experts raise concerns over project alignmentDespite the governments push for the project the proposed 29kilometre Ring Metro has drawn criticism from several citizens and urban transport expertsCritics argue that the planned corridor could duplicate existing and proposed metro routes instead of complementing them They have also expressed concerns that the alignment bypasses several densely populated residential areas potentially limiting its usefulness for daily commutersThe Maharashtra government has maintained that the project is intended to strengthen Thanes public transport network and cater to the citys growing population The planned public consultations and awareness initiatives are expected to provide residents with an opportunity to seek clarifications and offer feedback before the project moves into the next phaseWith inputs from PTI