Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed officials to expedite the execution of key infrastructure, transport and sports projects across Thane, stressing the need for timely completion, quality construction and better coordination among government agencies.
The review meeting, held at the Standing Committee Hall of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), was attended by TMC Commissioner Saurabh Rao, Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, along with senior officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Metro Authority, Public Works Department (PWD), Traffic Police, Forest Department and Maharashtra Maritime Board.
During the meeting, Sarnaik instructed authorities to complete important public amenities, including a football turf and a public swimming pool, before Diwali.
Focusing on metro expansion, the minister directed agencies to carry out detailed technical surveys and on-ground alignment markings before finalising metro routes. He also emphasised stakeholder consultations and transparency to minimise the impact on existing buildings and infrastructure.
To improve traffic conditions on Ghodbunder Road, Sarnaik called for close coordination among agencies during road widening works to prevent damage to underground power infrastructure. He also instructed officials to complete the pending retaining wall construction near the Hiranandani area at the earliest.
The meeting also reviewed the proposed three-storey international-standard shooting range at Waghbil, estimated to cost around Rs 26–27 crore. The facility will feature a 50-metre shooting range, an auditorium and multipurpose sports infrastructure.
The minister directed officials to complete tendering, work orders and handover formalities for sports facilities, including the football turf, pickleball courts and swimming pool, to ensure they are operational before the festive season.
In the transport sector, officials were instructed to integrate the proposed Pod Taxi project with the upcoming Ring Metro network. An independent technical consultancy will reassess the project’s feasibility, social impact and technical aspects before the final execution model is approved.
The meeting also decided that future TMC projects will include dedicated spaces for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
To strengthen municipal finances, the civic body will prepare a Land Monetisation Policy and initiate the Expression of Interest (EOI) process to optimise the use of municipal land assets.
Other initiatives discussed included the development of a botanical garden, beautification of Nagla Bunder Creek, creation of town parks and improvements to waste management infrastructure.
“Thane’s development must not merely cater to present demands, but anticipate the population and transit needs of decades to come. Technical quality, public safety, and transparency must remain non-negotiable. Unnecessary administrative delays will not be tolerated,” Sarnaik said.
Source: The Free Press Journal
