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 Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which means our air is consistently more polluted than it should be.
Electric Vehicles can change that.
EVs emit no tailpipe pollution. That means less smog, fewer respiratory issues, and a healthier environment — especially around schools, hospitals, and densely packed areas like Ghodbunder Road or Naupada. They’re also quiet, reducing the relentless traffic noise we’ve all grown used to.
But Are EVs Really for Us?
Let’s be honest — many of us hesitate when we hear about EVs. “Charging stations are few,” we say. “What if the battery runs out in the middle of LBS Road?” These are valid concerns, and TMC knows it. The good news is: Thane is taking real steps to address them.
Public Charging Stations (PCS): TMC has already set up two charging stations and is planning 30 more within a year and 100 in the next 3 years, especially in key locations like Wagle Estate, Teen Haath Naka, and even parking lots near railway stations like Thane and Kalwa.
Charging at Home and Work: If you live in an apartment in Vasant Vihar or run a business in Hiranandani Meadows, the TMC is creating a system for “EV Ready” parking spaces. All it takes is a simple electrical setup, and your vehicle can charge while you sleep or work.
Affordable Charging Leases: Want to install a public charger? TMC offers public land at just ₹1 per square foot per year. Yes, you read that right.
What’s in It for You?
Here’s the sweet part. TMC isn’t just asking us to be “eco-friendly” — they’re offering real benefits for switching to electric:
10% rebate on property tax for EV owners (for 3 years!), Free parking at designated areas for electric vehicles, Faster approvals for home or society EV setups through a single-window system, Preferential parking in public and government spaces, Imagine zipping around on a sleek e-scooter, parking for free at Viviana Mall, and saving on fuel every single day. That’s not just good for the planet — that’s smart living.
The EV Plan in Motion
Thane is already making progress: EV buses are being added to our roads, starting with 1 electric bus and proposals for 300+ more through MMRDA and MOHUA partnerships.
Electric vehicles in government: TMC officials now use EVs for official work, and all future vehicles will be electric. Partnerships with industry giants: MoUs have been signed with Mahindra for 4-wheelers and Kinetic for 2- and 3-wheelers. A charging station at Anand Nagar depot is also in the works.
Creating Demand: A People’s Movement
But the plan goes beyond government initiatives. TMC is launching awareness campaigns to show that EVs are not just for techies or elites — they’re for all of us. From autorickshaw drivers at Talaopali to delivery fleets in Kapurbawdi, everyone is being included. Campaigns will run on radio, buses, billboards near Cadbury Junction, and even in IT parks around Wagle Estate. Schools and colleges will be encouraged to run “Solar Activity Clubs” and create young climate warriors.
What’s the Catch?
Like any major change, this shift won’t be easy. Challenges include:
The fear that your EV will run out of charge before you find a station. EVs can cost more upfront than regular petrol vehicles. Some of us are unsure about battery life, resale value, and long-term savings
But with rising petrol prices, lower running costs of EVs, and government incentives, EVs are becoming more economical over time. Just like smartphones replaced landlines — slowly, then suddenly — EVs could become the new normal.
So, What Can You Do?
If you’re planning to buy a new vehicle, consider an EV — there are now scooters, bikes, cars, and even mini-trucks available. If you live in a housing society, talk about making parking EV-ready. Support local businesses and delivery services that use EVs. Spread the word — more awareness = more change.
The Road Ahead
Thane’s ambition is clear — by 2025 and beyond, it wants to lead India in clean, green, smart transportation. But this isn’t just a government mission. It’s a people’s movement.
The choices we make — the vehicles we buy, the awareness we spread, and the way we move — will decide whether Thane becomes a true City of the Future.
And just maybe, five years from now, you’ll look back and say, “I was part of that journey.”
Comments
Post a Comment