Thane | September 8, 2026
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and MLA Aaditya Thackeray is scheduled to meet residents in Balkum on Tuesday to hear objections to Thane’s proposed internal circular metro project and Amazon’s proposed hyperscale data centre, according to a report by Loksatta – Thane.
Thackeray is expected to speak with residents about the planning of the internal circular metro, its possible effect on local infrastructure and the traffic disruption that may occur during construction. He is also scheduled to address the concerns being raised over the proposed data centre in Balkum before speaking to journalists.
The internal circular metro is being developed through the Thane Municipal Corporation and MahaMetro as a proposed response to congestion on internal routes across the city. Residents have opposed aspects of the project, alleging that its construction could require extensive tree cutting and affect mangrove areas. They have also expressed concern that construction activity could worsen traffic congestion on roads that are already heavily used.
The reported objections relate to the project’s route planning, its impact on existing infrastructure and the management of traffic during construction. The report did not provide details of the final alignment, the number of trees or mangrove areas that would be affected, the construction schedule or the project’s estimated cost.
Thackeray’s visit will also focus on the proposed Amazon hyperscale data centre in Balkum. Residents have raised concerns that the facility could place additional pressure on water supply, electricity, roads and other infrastructure in the surrounding area. Environmental effects and the broader capacity of local civic services are also part of the concerns expected to be discussed.
The two projects have emerged as separate but overlapping urban issues in Balkum and Thane. The metro proposal concerns the expansion of public transport and the management of construction impacts, while the data centre proposal has prompted questions about the infrastructure and utility requirements of large-scale digital facilities. The report does not state the project’s planned power demand, water requirement, built-up area, investment value or construction timeline.
Thackeray is scheduled to reach Balkum at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. After meeting residents and gathering information about their objections, he is expected to address the media. His position on the metro project, the proposed data centre and the concerns raised by residents will be known after that interaction.
