Thane Municipal Corporation has developed a modern synthetic coating turf beneath the flyover stretch between Nitin Company and Cadbury Junction in Thane as part of efforts to create sports infrastructure in unused urban spaces. The facility includes courts for pickleball, badminton, volleyball and a dedicated skating area.

The civic administration has proposed handing over the management of the sports complex to a private organisation for a period of five years through an expression of interest process. The proposal is expected to be placed before the general body meeting for approval this week. 

The open space beneath the Mumbai–Nashik Highway flyover was earlier developed as a public garden, but civic officials said it gradually fell into poor condition over the years. To revive the area, the Thane Municipal Corporation decided to convert the 1,169 sq m space into a sports facility equipped with synthetic turf and recreational infrastructure.

The project includes three pickleball courts, one combined badminton and volleyball court, and a separate skating rink. The entire premises has been secured with nylon fencing and modern lighting systems

Officials said the sports complex was transferred to the civic sports department in November 2025, but regular public operations could not begin because of a shortage of trainers and support staff. As a result, the facility remained largely unused despite significant investment in its construction.

To address the issue, the corporation plans to appoint a private operator responsible for maintenance, coaching, operations and sports training activities at the venue. Civic officials believe this will ensure regular access for citizens and proper upkeep of the infrastructure. 

The under-flyover project forms part of Thane’s broader initiative to improve sports infrastructure and promote fitness-oriented urban spaces. Civic authorities have recently announced multiple projects, including synthetic athletic tracks, shooting ranges and Olympic-standard swimming facilities in different parts of the city. 

Officials said the experiment of converting flyover spaces into recreational zones could be replicated at other locations if the current project receives a positive public response.