September 29, 2025: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has unveiled a wide-ranging development plan for Thane district, with a strong focus on tackling traffic congestion, upgrading healthcare facilities, and improving flood relief measures, according to PTI.
Presiding over a district planning committee meeting at the collector’s office, Shinde, who also serves as Thane’s guardian minister, announced that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) would establish an expert panel to identify and resolve chronic traffic bottlenecks across the region.
“Drone and AI-based traffic management systems will be introduced to ease congestion. The MMRDA’s expert committee will coordinate short, medium, and long-term measures across agencies to provide commuters with lasting relief,” he said.
The meeting was attended by State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, MPs, MLAs, MLCs, senior officials and municipal chiefs from Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayander, Bhiwandi and Ulhasnagar.
Shinde reviewed the district’s annual plan, noting that Rs 1,167.37 crore was allocated in 2024–25, with 99.98 per cent utilised. For 2025–26, Rs 1,252.99 crore has been earmarked, of which 23 per cent had been spent by August. He urged authorities to ensure full utilisation of funds this year.
On public services, he emphasised the transformation of primary health centres into smart health centres and the conversion of zilla parishad and municipal schools into smart schools, funded through CSR initiatives and public participation.
The blueprint also includes the development of 39 tourist destinations, the launch of the ‘Explore Thane’ mobile app, rooftop solar installations at government offices, and sports complexes at the taluka level.
Other major projects feature the Rs 80 crore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shaktipeeth and Maradepada works, expansion of natural farming, raising the height of Chikhali Dam, ensuring water supply to Ulhasnagar, and progressing rehabilitation measures linked to the Kalu Dam.
Source: Swarajya
