Thane Metro alignment draws flak from industrialists; review likely says BJP MLA

Thane: The Rs 12,000-crore Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project has encountered fresh opposition, this time with industrialists from the Upvan Industrial Estate, who have objected to its proposed alignment, claiming it could displace their long-established businesses operating in the area for decades.At a meeting on Wednesday, industrialists alleged that the route was finalised without consulting local stakeholders or assessing its impact on the area’s industrial ecosystem.The Upvan Industrial Estate houses hundreds of small and medium enterprises engaged in fabrication, engineering, packaging and allied sectors, many of which have functioned there since Thane’s industrial boom years.“We came to know about the metro alignment only after barricades started coming up. We are not against the project, but we do not want to be displaced,” said Gopal Gurav, secretary of the Small-Scale Industries Association.Association member H. Saini said industries had already ceded land for past road-widening projects and feared further losses. “We risk being uprooted from an area where we have built our businesses over several decades,” he said.BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar, who intervened in the issue on Wednesday, assured that the authorities would re-assess the route and modify it wherever feasible.“A detailed survey will first determine how many units are likely to be affected and based on those, we will take next step. These units are operating here for last 50 years we will ensure minimal disruption to their livelihoods. If rehabilitation is unavoidable, it will be done as close as possible,” he said.The project, which drew the attention of the Prime Minister’s Office in April, has faced opposition from several resident groups across Thane, who have accused planners of proceeding without adequate public consultation.Residents of Hiranandani Estate, Gladys Alwares Road, Manpada and Naupada had earlier raised similar concerns, objecting to work commencing before local suggestions were considered. Kelkar said all objections and suggestions from residents would be reviewed afresh.A Mahametro response was awaited at the time fo filing this report.