Residents of Edenwoods in Thane staged a protest on Independence Day against the proposed location of a station under the Thane internal ring metro project, expressing concern that the planned station near the residential complex’s main entrance could worsen traffic congestion in the area.
The residents clarified that they are not opposed to the Thane internal ring metro project itself, but have objected to the proposed station being constructed directly in front of the Edenwoods complex. They have urged authorities either to alter the metro alignment or shift the station away from the residential complex’s main entrance.
Residents said the Gladys Alvares Road and Nath Pai Road areas are already witnessing heavy traffic congestion. Traffic diverted from Ghodbunder Road frequently adds to congestion on the relatively narrow roads in the area, they said.
The situation is further aggravated by events held at venues such as Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha, Supreme Banquet Hall and Supreme Deli, which draw additional traffic to the area. Ongoing construction activity, double parking along roads and hawkers occupying footpaths have also contributed to the traffic problems, according to residents.
Residents fear that locating a metro station at the Edenwoods entrance would bring a further increase in the number of vehicles arriving to drop off and pick up passengers. The resulting parking and pedestrian movement, coupled with existing roadside activity, could leave the residential complex’s main entrance severely congested, they said.
Meanwhile, photographs from the Edenwoods residents’ protest were shared on social media by Dayanand Nene, a member of the citizens’ group ‘Wake Up Thanekar’. Nene posted the message, “Ye toh sirf ek jhaanki hai… Thane ke aur nukkad abhi baaki hain…”, suggesting that the protest could be only the beginning of wider opposition to the proposed ring metro alignment.
The development has raised questions over whether similar protests could emerge from other parts of Thane affected by the proposed internal ring metro project. Attention is now likely to focus on how the authorities respond to residents’ demand for a change in the station location or route.
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