After flak, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation officials and citizens to jointly inspect re-aligned route

Thane: A fresh round of deliberations over the re-aligned metro rail route passing through Hiranandani Estate is expected next week, with officials from Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MahaMetro) and resident representatives likely to conduct a joint site inspection following mounting objections to the revised alignment.The move follows a meeting held on Friday between residents, MahaMetro officials and BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar, where the modified route was presented. Officials reportedly cited the Coastal Road project as the reason for altering the original metro alignment. "After detailed discussions, the MLA has directed officials to inspect alternative alignments suggested by residents. The authorities have agreed to a joint site survey next Saturday, after which a report will be submitted," said a resident who attended the meeting. Elsewhere, the integral metro project has triggered strong resistance from housing societies and citizen groups, who allege the project is being pushed ahead without adequate public consultation or assessment of its impact on densely populated urban pockets. Activists have flagged concerns over traffic disruption during construction, loss of green cover, and possible impact on key infrastructure including hospitals, schools and residential clusters along the proposed corridor. Several representations have been sent to state authorities seeking a review of the alignment. "We were told this is part of a 2010 plan, but there was no meaningful public consultation by the civic body. Existing medians in our area were recently beautified and could possibly be dug up for the metro route," complained Brahmand resident Deepak Mohapatra. Citizen groups argue that Thane's road network is already under severe pressure due to multiple ongoing infrastructure works. "Authorities should first operationalise Metro Line 4 and assess actual demand before launching another major corridor," said Devendra Kulai of the Eden Woods Complex Federation, which has launched a signature campaign against the current plan. Urban planners have also raised concerns over execution challenges in high-density zones. Expert Sulakshana Mahajan warned that construction activity near railway-linked stretches and parts of the old city especially outside the old Thane railway station could intensify traffic congestion and pose structural risks to ageing buildings, especially in underground segments. A MahaMetro official said the concerns will be addressed after the joint inspection. "We will conduct a site visit with residents and the MLA next week," the official said.