Two-wheelers out, space under Nitin flyover turned into recreation zone

THANE: From a neglected, poorly lit place that was occupied by garbage cans and two-wheelers, the space below Cadbury-Nitin Company flyover has undergone a complete transformation. The area has been used as a recreational spot for Thaneites.

With a dedicated walkway, garden, children play area, open gym and public toilets, residents from the lake city now have another place to unwind and relax.

At night, the place comes to life with dazzling lights. In a space-crunched city like Thane, the municipal corporation has made optimum use of the vacant space under the flyover.

Speaking about the beautification project, city engineer from the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Anil Patil said, "The land was previously owned by the MMRDA and it was being used as a parking lot. Then we noticed that a lot of illegal activities were taking place there. So, municipal commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal proposed that the area be made available for public use, where people could enjoy open, green space. The MMRDA subsequently handed over the land to the TMC. The project has been partly funded by the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of private enterprises. They had sponsored Rs 25 lakh for the equipments and other accessories."

Even though the place was thrown open to the public almost a year ago, no one used to use it as it was not lit up. However, now with the lights up the area has been gaining popularity. Young couples, children and senior citizens in the nearby area.

Pravin Koli, a resident of Ramchandra Nagar 2, said, "My wife and I often come here to unwind. On weekends, we take a stroll down this properly paved pathway. As there are security guards deplyed, we feel safe to roam in the night."

Ganpat Desai (65), too, takes his grandson to the kids play area that has been installed here. "It is a good place for my 3-year-old grandson to play. While he plays, I chit chat with a couple of senior citizens who visit the place at that time."