THANE: A citizens’ and experts’ collective, Wake Up Thanekar, has urged the state government to consider strengthening the existing public transport focusing on electric buses, dedicated bus lanes and smart traffic management as a comparatively cheaper and more effective alternative to the proposed Rs 12,200-crore Thane Ring Metro and provide faster relief from the city’s worsening traffic congestion.In a representation to deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and Thane Municipal commissioner Saurabh Rao, the group proposed a 10-point mobility plan.The group claimed its alternative could be implemented for under Rs 2,000 crore, potentially saving the state and the Thane Municipal Corporation more than Rs 10,000 crore while strengthening the city’s existing transport network.The plan includes frequent 20-30-seater electric buses on a ring route linking Thane station, Teen Haath Naka, Majiwada and Ghodbunder, dedicated bus lanes during peak hours, GPS-enabled e-rickshaw hubs, AI-powered traffic signals, public cycle-sharing, barrier-free footpaths and skywalks, ferry services across Thane Creek and app-based shuttle services.“The Ring Metro is an expensive and unnecessary solution that could subject Thane citizens to nearly a decade of construction disruption without guaranteeing relief from traffic congestion,” echoed activist Dayanand Nene and NCP (SP) Thane president Manoj Pradhan.Meanwhile, the group has also sought a halt to the ring metro works until a high-level committee comprising transport experts, urban planners and citizens’ representatives evaluates alternative mobility solutions.
