04 August,2026 12:27 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Eknath Shinde. File Pic
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 project.
The 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 project's operational roadmap, according to an official release.
The proposed Thane Ring Metro, estimated to cost Rs 12,200 crore, has generated debate among residents and urban transport experts, with some questioning its alignment, utility and impact on existing transport infrastructure.
During the meeting, BJP MLC Madhavi Naik stressed the importance of strengthening communication between government agencies and residents.
According to the official release, Naik said the Ring Metro project is essential to meet the transportation needs of Thane's rapidly growing population, but inadequate public outreach has resulted in confusion among local residents.
She 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 progresses.
Responding 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 project's objectives, route alignment and expected benefits.
As part of its public outreach strategy, MahaMetro will also launch an awareness campaign during the upcoming Ganesh festival.
According 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 city's future transport network.
The initiative is aimed at increasing public awareness and addressing misconceptions surrounding the project through accessible information.
During the review meeting, MahaMetro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar said the project could be completed within three-and-a-half years, provided land acquisition and statutory approvals are completed on schedule.
He said timely acquisition of land and the availability of technical clearances would be critical to maintaining the proposed construction timeline.
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and Thane Member of Parliament Naresh Mhaske also attended the review meeting.
Despite the government's push for the project, the proposed 29-kilometre Ring Metro has drawn criticism from several citizens and urban transport experts.
Critics 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 commuters.
The Maharashtra government has maintained that the project is intended to strengthen Thane's public transport network and cater to the city's 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 phase.
(With inputs from PTI)
