Thane, 18th October 2024: Thane city and its surrounding areas are poised to benefit from 34 major infrastructure projects, valued at a staggering ₹3,96,636.75 crore, over the next decade. These projects, ranging from new metro lines and bullet trains to expressways, elevated roads, and tunnels, are set to significantly enhance the region’s connectivity.
This unprecedented concentration of developments is expected to position Thane as a key suburb within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), according to a Maharashtra government official. MMR spans 6,328 square kilometres, with Thane district covering 4,214 square kilometres, while the city’s civic limit extends across 147 square kilometres.
The projects underscore the influence Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has wielded in the region over the past decade. Shinde, a former MLA of Thane and current representative of the Kopri-Pachpakhadi constituency has been instrumental in driving the infrastructure agenda. His leadership has coincided with the rapid approval of several projects aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity in the district.
A senior government official, speaking anonymously, highlighted how not only Shinde but other representatives from Thane have advocated for these developments. The Shiv Sena, thanks to holding key portfolios, has been able to expedite clearances for many of these projects.
A number of these initiatives either originate or pass through Thane, and some aim to reduce the district’s congestion. The region has witnessed an influx of projects since Shinde took on significant roles in state departments and ministries, starting in 2014 during the Shiv Sena-BJP government led by Devendra Fadnavis. Shinde initially oversaw the Ministry of Public Works, which includes the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and later held additional charge of the urban development ministry during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray. He also became the chairman of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), traditionally led by the chief minister. Shinde retained these roles after becoming chief minister in 2022 under the Mahayuti government.
Shinde’s leadership in spearheading Maharashtra’s infrastructure efforts has funnelled a large portion of projects to Thane, which in turn has boosted the local real estate market. Developers now have multiple points to showcase to potential homebuyers in areas far from the Thane railway station.
According to Ayushi Ashar, director of Ashar Group and a member of the real estate association CREDAI-MCHI’s Thane Chapter, infrastructure development not only improves connectivity but also stimulates various industries, creating business opportunities, jobs, and increased property values. Ashar expects the region’s local GDP to grow by 15-18% due to these enhancements.
A real estate industry study has identified Thane as one of the top cities in India attracting significant infrastructure investment, alongside Pune, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, and Noida.
In addition to Thane city, several projects are planned for neighbouring areas such as Kalyan, Dombivali, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, Mumbra, and Kalwa—regions falling under the jurisdiction of Shrikant Shinde, Kalyan MP and son of Eknath Shinde.