Daijiworld Media Network - Thane
Thane, Sep 27: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Thane Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday unveiled a comprehensive development plan for Thane district, focusing on traffic congestion, modernisation of public services, and flood relief measures.
During a district planning committee meeting at the collector’s office, Mr. Shinde announced that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will form an expert committee to study traffic issues across the region and propose permanent solutions. “Drone and AI-based traffic management systems will be implemented to control congestion. The expert panel will ensure short, medium, and long-term measures in coordination with all agencies to provide lasting relief to commuters,” he said.
The meeting was attended by State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, MPs, MLAs, MLCs, senior government officials, and municipal chiefs from Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayander, Bhiwandi, and Ulhasnagar. Reviewing the district’s annual plan, Mr. Shinde noted that 99.98% of last year’s Rs 1,167.37 crore allocation was utilised, while 23% of the Rs 1,252.99 crore allocation for 2025-26 has been used till August. He directed all agencies to achieve 100% utilisation this year.
On modernisation, Mr. Shinde said, “All primary health centres will be upgraded to smart health centres, while zilla parishad and municipal schools will be converted into smart schools. Funds for these projects may be mobilised through CSR and public participation.”
The plan also includes developing 39 tourist spots with the launch of the “Explore Thane” tourism app, rooftop solar projects for government offices, new taluka sports complexes, and projects worth Rs 80 crore for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shaktipeeth and Maradepada. Other initiatives include expanding natural farming beyond 7,000 hectares, raising Chikhali Dam’s height, ensuring Ulhasnagar’s water supply via mechanical lifting from Ulhas River, and Kalu Dam-linked rehabilitation projects.
Addressing flood-affected areas, Mr. Shinde urged officials to prioritise repairs of roads, schools, anganwadis, and health centres. “It is the government’s moral responsibility to help farmers. Assistance will be provided even if certain rules need relaxation. I appeal to everyone to contribute to support our flood-affected brothers and sisters,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also inaugurated Sewa Samvad, a quick-feedback mechanism conceptualised by District Collector Shrikrishna Panchal to enhance public grievance redressal efficiency.