Next time you travel across Thane's modern landscape, stuck in traffic or waiting for a train, take a moment to imagine a dramatically different era. Long before our crowded trains and roads connected it to the world, Thane was primarily known as a vibrant and prosperous port, a critical gateway that linked the subcontinent with distant lands. About a thousand years ago, the Thane coast was full of activity. Smaller boats dotted the shore, while few larger ships awaited in the open sea. One vessel prepared to sail to Africa, laden with Konkan-grown rice. Another had just arrived from Iran, bringing horses. A third had navigated from the Malabar coast, delivering precious spices like mace, cloves, and black pepper. The docks were a melting pot of travelers, traders, and sailors from Africa, Arabia, and China, mingling with local Hindu, Muslim, and Parsi merchants. Negotiations in a Gujarati dialect filled the air. This isn't a fantasy; it's a snapshot of middle age Thane, t...
Imagine driving through Thane’s bustling Eastern Express Highway or the scenic stretch along Upvan Lake — and hearing nothing but the sound of birds and the breeze. No engine rumble, no exhaust fumes. Just clean, quiet movement. This is not a far-off dream — it's a vision that the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is working hard to turn into reality. Welcome to Thane 2025, a bold roadmap that aims to make our city a model for electric mobility in India. But what does this mean for us, the everyday citizens? Why should you care whether your next vehicle runs on petrol or a battery? Let’s explore. Why Electric Vehicles (EVs) Matter to Thane Thane is a growing city — in ambition, population, and unfortunately, pollution. As of 2020, we have over 22 lakh registered vehicles that run on petrol or diesel. This massive traffic contributes directly to the poor air quality that many of us breathe every day. In fact, Thane has been flagged as a “non-attainment” city under the National Ambie...