Thane: Residents of Hiranandani Estate locality have launched an online campaign expressing their concern at the possible inconvenience to locals due to the alleged ‘last-minute modified alignment’ of the Thane internal ring metro project, which cuts through their area. The residents claimed authorities failed to consult locals or elected representatives before modifying the route.The Nagpur-based MahaMetro, which is executing the project, recently began geotechnical surveys for Phase I between Vijay Nagari and Patlipada, following which residents said they got to know about the revised route cutting through their area on Wednesday. “We were shocked to see barricades being put up in our area as we were sure the metro was to take a different route and not cut through our locality,” said a resident, informing that several alert citizens instantly reacted and decided to garner support before approaching authorities. Within 48 hours, over 700 residents backed the online campaign, raising concerns over potential traffic disruption and increased congestion on internal roads, construction-related risks and environmental impact. The campaign also questions the lack of transparency around such changes and appealed for restoration of the original alignment.”We support development, but it must ensure public safety, environmental balance and community well-being,” said the statement issued by Residents of Hiranandani Estate and Rodas Enclave through the campaign initiated by local resident Anubha Sahai on Thursday. Residents said they have also approached local elected representatives including BJP corporator Manohar Dumbare, seeking his intervention.Meanwhile, MahaMetro officials said surveys were underway and also confirmed that slight route modifications were scheduled at a few places but assured to get details of the Estate route. “We will interact with residents soon. Any modification done is only to improve the project efficiency,” an official said.
