Mumbai: CM Eknath Shinde, has been spearheading an ambitious infrastructure overhaul for Thane, aiming to transform it into a major hub within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The development plan, which includes 34 key infrastructure projects, is seen as pivotal to the state’s goal of becoming a USD 1.5 trillion economy by 2047. These initiatives are designed to enhance connectivity, boost economic activity, and improve the overall quality of life in the region.
Key projects include the Thane-Borivali underground tunnel, which will dramatically cut travel time between the two cities, and the Thane Circular Metro Project, both of which have received significant financial backing. The metro project alone, with an updated budget of Rs.12,200 crore, is poised to enhance intra-city connectivity, making it easier for residents to commute within the city and beyond.
Road projects will further integrate Thane with the broader MMR, creating seamless links between the northern and southern regions of the city. These initiatives are complemented by the expansion of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, a crucial element in boosting Thane’s regional connectivity and positioning it as a key node in Maharashtra’s infrastructure network.
Thane’s strategic location, combined with these developments, will help attract industries, promote residential growth, and foster commercial investments. The emphasis on technology sectors like AI, data centres, and robotics is expected to attract high-value investments, propelling Thane’s transformation into a global business hub. Apart from Thane city, projects are planned for Kalyan, Dombivali, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, Mumbra and Kalwa.