Metro trial run in Thane likely in September, operations by December: Eknath Shinde

Eknath Shinde on Sunday flagged off the Thane Varsha Marathon. Pic/X

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde on Sunday said that efforts are underway to begin the trial run of the much-anticipated metro service in Thane next month, with full-fledged operations expected to commence by December this year, PTI reported.

Speaking to reporters after flagging off the Thane Varsha Marathon, Shinde said that the completion of the metro project would significantly enhance connectivity across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), offering end-to-end commute options and improved last-mile connectivity.

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"Efforts are on to conduct the trial run of the Metro in Thane in September. After that, we are working on launching the actual services by December. The work is progressing on a war-footing," he said.

The deputy CM further informed that preliminary work on Thane's internal Metro network has already begun.

"This will be linked to the main Metro lines to provide integrated transport facilities," he added.

Highlighting the state's larger infrastructure vision, Shinde said that the extension of the freeway from Mumbai to Thane would help decongest traffic and shift a major share of cargo movement towards the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), away from city roads.

He said a clear mandate has been given to the District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, and Police Commissioner to make Thane free of traffic congestion.

"They are working towards it, and soon Thane city will be free from traffic jams," Shinde asserted.

Referring to recent developmental efforts in Thane, he cited the rejuvenation of Jogila Lake, which had been encroached upon by nearly 250 huts.

"We have relocated the people who encroached the area and freed the lake. This is perhaps the first such project in the country where a lake has been completely restored and encroachments removed," he said.

Shinde also lauded the patriotic gesture of Shiv Sena leader and wrestler-turned-politician Chandrahar Patil and his team from Kolhapur, who travelled to the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir to donate blood for Indian soldiers.

"Their effort reflects true love for the nation," he remarked.

On the Thane Varsha Marathon, which made a comeback after five years, Shinde said the event drew over 25,000 participants, reflecting the city's enthusiasm for fitness and public participation. The marathon was organised by the Thane Municipal Corporation in collaboration with various sports organisations, and had been on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dharmendra of Pune ASI secured first place in the men's category, completing the 21-kilometre run in 01:07:41. In the women's segment, Ravina Gaikwad from Nashik emerged victorious with a time of 01:25:46. Both winners received Rs 1 lakh in prize money, along with mementos, medals, and certificates.

The event, held under the slogan 'Marathon Thanechi, Urja Tarunaichi', featured 12 race categories. These included a special ‘Corporate Run' for municipal officers, employees, public representatives, and journalists; races for senior citizens above the age of 60; and active participation from the Divyang Tridal group.

A total prize pool of Rs 10,38,900 was distributed among the winners across all categories.

(With PTI inputs)