Thane citizens demand basic infrastructure over expensive swanky projects

THANE: Whilst the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) envisions an extravagant ₹8,000 crore project comprising a 260-metre-high viewing gallery, a convention centre, a shopping mall, and a golf course near Mogharpada, citizens are voicing grave concerns over neglected basic infrastructure issues in the city.
With burgeoning traffic congestion, deteriorating road conditions, recurrent water shortages, and insufficient parking spaces, residents assert the administration should prioritise fundamental civic needs instead of luxury developments that predominantly benefit their "favourite" contractors.
A review meeting convened on Friday regarding the proposed Convention Centre and Viewing Gallery, alongside other projects including the Town Park in Kolshet, the redevelopment of Yashwant Rama Salvi Swimming Pool in Kalwa, and a new theatre in Kharegaon.
The meeting was attended by MP Shrikant Shinde, MP Naresh Mhaske, MLA Jitendra Awhad, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, District Collector Ashok Shingare amongst others.
However, citizens increasingly scrutinise the necessity of such swanky projects whilst Thane's roads remain riddled with potholes, traffic snarls have intensified due to unchecked urbanisation, and water supply issues persist in numerous areas.
Many residents contend that instead of expending thousands of crores on a luxury convention centre, authorities should focus on improving roads, rectifying drainage to prevent waterlogging, and ensuring uninterrupted water supply. "Why isn't there any inclusion of the citizens opinion while proposing such costly projects.
Is it really required, when the city is facing severe traffic water crisis as well lack narrow approach roads towards the swanky skyscrapers," said Nishant Bangera of Muse foundation.
Apart from this, a ₹600 crore Town Park in Kolshet, encompassing a sports complex, an aquarium, a science centre, and a planetarium, was also deliberated. However, residents feel that existing public spaces, playgrounds, and even footpaths require urgent maintenance. They question the prioritisation of new attractions over essential urban facilities.
Similarly, whilst the Yashwant Rama Salvi Swimming Pool in Kalwa faces demolition and reconstruction with an auditorium and additional sports facilities, many locals believe that basic civic infrastructure such as public toilets, waste management, and healthcare services warrant immediate attention.
A new theatre in Kharegaon was also proposed, with discussions regarding the practicality of a 300-350 seat capacity. Whilst some acknowledge the need for cultural infrastructure, others advocate resolving everyday challenges—like traffic congestion, overcrowded public transport, and pedestrian safety—over constructing auditoriums.
Additionally, the 1.5-kilometre Parsik Water Front development from Mumbra Bypass to Kharegaon Toll Naka underwent review, with authorities discussing pending beautification works. However, residents express frustration that beautification projects receive attention whilst vital civic issues like encroached roads, haphazard parking, and poor street lighting remain unaddressed.
"As the city's population grows, Thane's infrastructure is crumbling under pressure. They should reprioritise their spending, focus on long-overdue civic improvements, and address the city's worsening congestion, road infrastructure, and water crisis before investing in grandiose projects," said Ajay Jeya a city based activist.