Thane ring route metro faces increasing opposition from residents, parties

Residents expressed concerns that constructing stations in densely populated areas—where schools, hospitals and high foot traffic already exist—could lead to severe congestion.

THANE: The Thane Metro Rail, also known as the Ring Route, envisioned to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity to business hubs on the city’s western side, is facing growing opposition from residents and political parties. Residents argue that instead of reducing congestion, the proposed internal metro could worsen the situation because several stations are planned within densely populated residential areas along Ghodbunder Road.

Thane, India - April -28 2026:The Thane Metro Rail Project,envisioned to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity to business hubson the western side of the city, is facing growing opposition from residentsand political parties. Locals argue that instead of reducing congestion, theproposed internal metro could worsen the situation, as several stations areplanned within densely populated residential areas along Ghodbunder Road. ,in Thane ,in Mumbai, India, on, Tuesday, April -28, 2026. ( photo by Praful Gangurde / Hindustan Times )

Residents and local representatives recently met with officials from Maha Metro (Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited), the project’s executing agency, to voice their concerns. Representatives from Hiranandani Meadows, Rodas, Rutu Estate and Hiranandani Estate attended the meeting, along with Shravan Hardikar, the managing director of Maha Metro, and senior project officials.

MLA Sanjay Kelkar, who was also present in the meeting, said residents expressed concerns that constructing stations in densely populated areas—where schools, hospitals and high foot traffic already exist—could lead to severe congestion. “I have instructed Maha Metro officials to conduct an on-site inspection and find a solution in the public interest,” he said.

The tender process for the ₹12,200-crore project, backed by both central and state governments, is complete, and work is expected to begin soon. The 29-km corridor will run along Thane’s western periphery, comprising 22 stations. The alignment is flanked by the Ulhas River on one side and Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) on the other.

Manoj Pradhan, district president of the NCP (Sharad Pawar), questioned the rationale behind the project. “Is there really a need for a ₹12,200-crore ring route metro for Thane? Roads are already shrinking due to ongoing metro work. Why introduce another similar project?” he asked.

Pradhan suggested that instead of spending the money on an internal metro, allocating ₹1,000 crore to strengthen public transport and introduce electric buses could significantly ease congestion. He also raised financial concerns, noting that 37% of the project will be funded through loans. “The government is already short of funds. How will this debt be repaid, and where will the remaining 63% come from?” he questioned.

A section of farmers has also opposed the project. They oppose the acquisition of about 44 acres of land for a car shed, fearing displacement. Environmentalists, too, have raised concerns about the large-scale tree cutting between Anand Nagar and Saket for road works. The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) permitted the felling of around 3,000 trees for the ring railway project, raising concerns about the loss of green cover and air quality — key reasons why many residents chose to live in Thane.