Thane: The ambitious Thane Integral Ring Metro project has been brought under the direct watch of the Prime Minister’s Office, placing it among a select group of nationally monitored infrastructure initiatives, officials associated with the project informed.The project was recently inducted into the Centre’s Pragati (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform, triggering a high-level review meeting in state bureaucratic corridors. A closed-door session at the chief secretary’s office last week was attended by representatives from MahaMetro, Thane municipal commissioner’s office, district collector and senior state officials.Pragati is a centralised monitoring mechanism designed to resolve hurdles for key infrastructure projects, particularly in sectors like transport. “The team will assess the project progress on April 29,” a senior official said. The metro corridor, with 22 stations, aims to connect Thane railway station to the city’s far-flung areas. The route passes through densely populated neighbourhoods with a 2.3km underground stretch. The Thane unit of NCP (SP) has questioned the need for the project, raising concerns over its high cost, environmental impact and potential to worsen traffic congestion. Also, a group of residents from Hiranandani Estate met transport minister Pratap Sarnaik over random modification of the metro route in their vicinity.
