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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Thane on October 5, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the development of the region with the inauguration of various projects worth a staggering ₹32,800 crore. The event, attended by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, witnessed the launch of key infrastructure projects aimed at boosting urban mobility and propelling economic growth.
Among the notable projects unveiled was the BKC to Aarey JVLR section of ‘Mumbai Metro Line 3,’ a crucial public transport initiative costing around ₹14,120 crore. This section is expected to significantly improve commuting between Mumbai city and its suburbs, with the fully operational line-3 projected to cater to approximately 12 lakh passengers daily. The event also saw the laying of the foundation stone for the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) project, signifying a major step towards the development of a new urban center.
The Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project, costing around ₹12,200 crore, is another ambitious initiative designed to enhance connectivity within the region. This 29 km project comprises 20 elevated and 2 underground stations, aimed at providing a seamless and efficient transportation network. In his address, PM Modi highlighted the historical significance of the projects, emphasizing their role in shaping the future of Thane and Mumbai. He stressed the government's unwavering commitment to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) and reiterated the importance of robust infrastructure development in achieving this goal.
However, the event also saw PM Modi launching a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing them of consistently obstructing development works whenever they had the opportunity. He specifically criticized their role in stalling schemes like the bullet train project, urging the people to keep those who hinder progress away from power. PM Modi further targeted the Congress, accusing them of being “run by a gang of urban Naxals” and alleging that they would bring back Article 370, a contentious issue concerning the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. These statements were met with strong reactions from Congress leaders, who refuted the allegations and accused the BJP of resorting to divisive rhetoric to divert attention from their own failures.
The event concluded with PM Modi laying the foundation stone of the Thane Municipal Corporation building, costing around ₹700 crore. This new building is anticipated to provide a modern and efficient infrastructure for the city's administrative operations. While the inauguration of these projects undoubtedly symbolizes progress and development, it is likely to further intensify the political discourse in Maharashtra, particularly in the context of the upcoming state elections. The event has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the government’s approach to infrastructure development and the extent to which it will address concerns surrounding environmental impact and equitable access to these projects.
Source: PM Modi inaugurates projects worth ₹32,800 crore at Thane