The Thane Municipal Corporation has developed a modern sports complex with synthetic turf beneath the flyover stretch connecting Nitin Company and Cadbury Junction in Thane. The initiative is part of the civic body’s efforts to transform underutilised urban spaces into recreational and fitness-oriented public infrastructure.
The newly developed facility features dedicated courts for pickleball, badminton, and volleyball, along with a separate skating zone. According to civic officials, the project has been designed to encourage sports participation and improve access to recreational amenities within the city.
The corporation now plans to hand over operations and maintenance of the sports complex to a private agency for five years through an expression of interest (EOI) process. The proposal is expected to be placed before the general body for approval later this week.
The space beneath the Mumbai-Nashik Highway flyover, covering nearly 1,169 square metres, had earlier been developed as a public garden. However, authorities said the area gradually deteriorated over time and remained underutilised. To revive the location, the civic administration decided to redevelop it into a sports facility equipped with synthetic surfaces and supporting infrastructure.
The complex includes three pickleball courts, one multi-purpose badminton and volleyball court, and a skating rink. Modern lighting systems and nylon fencing have also been installed across the premises to improve usability and safety.
Officials stated that although the facility was transferred to the civic sports department in November 2025, it could not be opened for regular public use due to a shortage of trainers and operational staff. As a result, the venue remained largely inactive despite the infrastructure being completed.
To address this issue, the corporation now intends to appoint a private operator responsible for managing coaching programmes, maintenance, daily operations, and sports training activities.
The project forms part of Thane’s larger push to expand sports infrastructure across the city. Civic authorities have recently announced additional initiatives, including synthetic running tracks, shooting ranges, and Olympic-standard swimming facilities. Officials added that similar under-flyover recreational projects may be introduced at other locations depending on public response to the current initiative.
Source: Mumbai Live
