Thane is undergoing a major transformation, with infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 55,000 crore being implemented to address congestion and support the city’s rapid growth. However, residents and urban experts say the scale of construction is also creating fresh disruptions.
Once known for its low-rise neighbourhoods, greenery and lakes, Thane has witnessed extensive high-rise development since the early 2000s. The upgrade of Ghodbunder Road and the conversion of large industrial land parcels for residential use accelerated the city’s expansion.
Former deputy mayor Naresh Manera said several traditional gaothans were quickly surrounded by high-rise developments. Activist Dr Mahesh Bedekar said, “The visual change was dramatic and immediate, with open vistas disappearing as towers filled what used to be open space.”
Thane’s location and improving connectivity have made it an attractive alternative to Mumbai for homebuyers seeking relatively larger and more affordable homes. However, critics argue that civic infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace.
BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar said Thane’s infrastructure has failed to keep up with the city’s population growth. He highlighted water shortages in Ghodbunder, where some residents reportedly spend heavily on private tankers despite paying property taxes and housing loans.
The state government and Thane Municipal Corporation have responded with projects including metro corridors, flyovers, elevated roads and coastal road connections. Yet the simultaneous execution of multiple projects has added to traffic disruptions.
NCP-SP Thane president Manoj Pradhan said, “The irony is that infrastructure meant to reduce congestion is itself intensifying congestion during construction.”
Urban planner Sulakshana Mahajan said, “Road widening and flyovers alone cannot solve systemic mobility problems. Thane needs a long-term mobility strategy that integrates land use… and environmental safeguards, rather than relying primarily on road-expansion solutions.”
Green activist Rohit Joshi also stressed the need to protect Thane’s remaining natural assets and preserve the character associated with its ‘City of Lakes’ identity.
Source: The Times of India
