Nearly a month after the Union Cabinet granted approval for the ambitious Thane Integral Ring Metro rail project, a team of experts is expected to undertake a critical soil stability test along the proposed 29-km loop route. This test, pivotal to the success of the project, will aid designers in fine-tuning the alignment of the corridor, ensuring both structural integrity and safety.
A series of geo-technical investigations is expected to be carried out by a team of experts appointed by the project’s consultant. These investigations will delve into the geological conditions along the route, analysing soil and rock types to determine the optimal design for the metro piers and underground tubes. “The study will not only determine the appropriate height of the piers but also establish the maximum depth at which the underground section can be constructed,” an official familiar with the project shared. Identifying underground utility lines—such as gas, water, and electric lines—will also form part of the analysis to mitigate potential risks.
The project, to be executed by Maha Metro, includes a 2-3 km underground section, particularly critical as it passes beneath densely populated areas such as Naupada, where old residential buildings cluster near the proposed route. Moreover, the elevated sections will be constructed over existing flyovers and Metro lines, crossing major roads like Ghodbunder Road and the Mumbai-Nashik highway, making the alignment process even more complex. The Thane Integral Ring Metro is projected to be operational by 2029 and is set to transform local connectivity. By linking dense residential and commercial hubs in Thane to existing and future metro stations, it aims to bridge the old and new areas of the city and connect Thane with Mumbai and Kalyan through Metro 4 and 5.
