To
All Concerned Authorities
(Government of Maharashtra, Government of India, Thane Municipal Corporation, MMRDA, Metropolitan Commissioner, Elected Representatives, and all concerned administrative authorities)

*Subject: Request for an Independent Re-evaluation of the Thane Integral Ring Route Metro Project and Consideration of Alternative Public Transport Solutions*

Respected Sir/Madam,

We, the concerned citizens of Thane, wish to bring to your attention our serious concerns regarding the proposed ₹12,200 crore Thane Integral Ring Route Metro Project.

We are not opposed to development. On the contrary, we strongly support the creation of a modern, efficient, and sustainable public transportation system for Thane. 

However, no infrastructure project should be considered appropriate merely because it is large or expensive.

Every major public infrastructure project must be evaluated objectively on the basis of its necessity, economic viability, social impact, environmental consequences, and the availability of more effective alternatives.

We are concerned that this project did not undergo adequate public consultation from its inception. 

The final proposal was approved during a period of administrative governance. 
Even after the newly elected Municipal Corporation came into existence, the project was not placed before the General Body for a comprehensive discussion and fresh consideration. 
Such a process is a matter of concern for a project involving such substantial public investment.

In our considered opinion, Thane's most pressing transportation challenge is *last-mile connectivity*. Residents of Ghodbunder Road, Brahmand, Kasarvadavali, Majiwada, Balkum, Kolshet, Wagle Estate, Lokmanya Nagar, Vartak Nagar, Manpada, Naupada, and several other areas require frequent, affordable, and reliable public transport connecting them to railway stations, metro stations, and major employment hubs.

The construction of the Ring Route Metro is likely to involve several years of extensive excavation, traffic diversions, dust pollution, noise pollution, disruption to commercial establishments, and severe traffic congestion. 
This will impose an additional burden on the citizens of Thane, who are already facing significant traffic challenges.

Many cities across the world have successfully addressed similar mobility issues through cost-effective and flexible solutions such as electric buses, mini-buses, feeder services, Bus Priority Systems, intelligent transit management, and integrated ticketing systems. 
Such alternatives deserve a comprehensive and impartial evaluation before committing ₹12,200 crore of public funds to a single project.

Before proceeding further, the following questions deserve clear, public, and independently verified answers:

- Has an independent Cost-Benefit Analysis of this project been conducted?
- Are the projected passenger ridership estimates realistic and based on current data?
- Has a comparative study been undertaken between the proposed Metro project and alternatives such as an expanded electric bus network, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), feeder bus systems, or other modern transit solutions?
- Have citizens, trade associations, transport experts, and local self-government institutions been formally consulted?
- Has an independent assessment been carried out regarding the social, economic, and environmental impacts likely to arise during the next 8–10 years of project implementation?

We therefore respectfully urge all concerned authorities to:

1. Temporarily suspend the implementation of the Thane Integral Ring Route Metro Project.

2. Appoint an independent committee comprising national experts to undertake a comprehensive review of the project.

3. Place all feasibility reports, ridership projections, financial analyses, and environmental impact assessments in the public domain to ensure complete transparency.

4. Organize an extensive public consultation process involving citizens, traders' associations, civil society organizations, transport experts, and elected representatives.

5. Conduct a fair and comparative evaluation of high-frequency electric bus systems, feeder networks, and other cost-effective public transport alternatives before arriving at any final decision.

The decisions taken today will shape Thane's transportation network, environment, and public finances for decades to come. Such decisions must therefore be based not on haste, but on transparency, sound scientific evaluation, financial prudence, and meaningful public participation.

Thane deserves development—but it must be development that is sustainable, well-planned, financially responsible, and centred on the needs of its citizens.

We sincerely hope that this representation will receive your serious consideration and that appropriate action will be initiated in the larger public interest.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

Wake Up Thanekar Movement

Date: 5 July 2026