THANE: Opposition to Thane’s proposed Ring Metro intensified on Sunday, with citizens forming a human chain along Pokhran Road No. 2 and questioning the need for the corridor. The protest, organised by Thane Against Integral Ring Metro, saw residents gather from Swami Junction to Prashant Corner.Citizens questioned the need for an Inner Circular Metro when Metro Lines 4 and 5 are being developed along roads. They said authorities should instead strengthen the Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) bus network by increasing frequency and expanding connectivity to underserved areas.The protest came a week after the group launched a signature campaign against the project. Residents said they supported infrastructure but wanted government to establish its necessity and assess whether existing and upcoming metro lines could meet Thane’s transport needs.Activist Adv Radhika Rane said passenger numbers and utilisation of Metro Lines 4 and 5 should first be assessed before the project is taken up. Environmental concerns featured. Activist Rohit Joshi alleged that around 3,900 trees had been approved for cutting. He also alleged that the Tree Authority Committee had not been constituted for six months and claimed he was not called for a hearing despite objecting to tree cutting. Protesters demanded transparency on the project’s alignment, cost and impact before it proceeds.
