Aditya Thackeray is scheduled to meet residents in Balkum, Thane, on Tuesday to discuss objections to the proposed Thane internal circular metro and Amazon’s proposed hyperscale data centre in the area. He is expected to hear residents’ concerns and speak to the media after the meetings.
Thane | September 8, 2026
The engagement comes as opposition to the Thane internal circular metro project grows among residents who have raised concerns about tree felling, possible impacts on mangrove areas and disruption to traffic during construction. The project is being taken forward through the Thane Municipal Corporation and MahaMetro to address congestion on internal roads in the city.
According to the report, residents have questioned the project’s planning and its likely effect on existing infrastructure and traffic management. They have also expressed concern that construction activity could worsen congestion on roads already carrying substantial local traffic. The report does not provide details of the project’s approved alignment, construction schedule or the number of trees or mangrove areas that could be affected.
Thackeray, a Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and legislator, is expected to visit Balkum at 5 p.m. to hear residents’ objections and gather information about the proposed metro’s planning, infrastructure impact and traffic arrangements. He is scheduled to address journalists after the interaction.
The second issue on the agenda is the proposed Amazon hyperscale data centre at Balkum. Residents have raised concerns that the facility could place additional pressure on water, electricity, transport and other infrastructure in the surrounding area. The report does not state the project’s proposed capacity, construction timeline, utility demand or approval status.
The two projects have become part of a wider local discussion about how new transport and commercial infrastructure should be planned alongside environmental safeguards and existing urban services. The immediate next step is Thackeray’s scheduled meeting with residents and his subsequent media interaction on Tuesday evening.
