Thane’s planned circular metro network has entered a new phase, with Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) inviting bids to modify high-voltage overhead transmission lines that sit along the proposed alignment. The tender covers the relocation of 110kV and 220kV electrical infrastructure at two key stretches, marking a significant step towards preparing the city’s utility corridors for the Thane Integral Ring Metro. The upgrade is essential for ensuring construction safety, uninterrupted power supply, and a smoother rollout of the 29-km project.
According to tender details released this week, the package includes the modification of overhead lines near Waghbil Station and the Kasarwadavali depot area, as well as a second stretch between Balkum Naka and Balkum Pada Station. The work has been estimated at ₹68.36 crore, with bid submissions closing on 27 November and technical bids scheduled to open the following day. A senior Maha Metro official said the relocation “is critical to maintaining safety standards and enabling early civil works along the corridor”. The Thane Integral Ring Metro, approved in 2024, aims to create a seamless circular mobility loop around the city. The line is expected to connect fast-growing residential clusters, industrial estates, and emerging employment hubs such as Wagle Estate, Manpada, Waghbil, and Balkum. Urban transport experts describe the corridor as a long-pending intervention for a city where population growth has rapidly outpaced road capacity. By offering grade-separated mass transit, the metro is anticipated to ease reliance on private vehicles and reduce emissions caused by slow-moving traffic.
The project carries an estimated investment of ₹12,200 crore, supported jointly by the Union Government, the State Government, and international lenders that typically prioritise climate-resilient mobility. Officials familiar with the planning process said the metro’s circular design will help reduce travel distances and improve accessibility for communities that currently rely on overcrowded arterial roads. They added that the relocation of overhead lines is one of several early-stage works that must be completed before large-scale construction begins. Industry observers note that utility shifting often emerges as one of the biggest bottlenecks for urban transport projects. In dense cities such as Thane, integrating new mobility systems with existing energy, water, and communication networks requires meticulous coordination. Experts argue that completing these works transparently and on schedule will help avoid delays, cost escalations, and disruptions to local residents.
As Thane prepares for its long-awaited metro system, the shift of high-voltage lines represents progress towards a cleaner, more reliable urban mobility framework. The project, once operational, is expected to support more equitable access to public transport and lower the city’s overall dependence on carbon-intensive travel.
Also Read : Mumbai Launches Major MSRDC Flyover Repairs After Monsoon Complaints Before Monsoon
