Shinde Pitches Innovative Plans To Drive Thane’s All-Round Growth
Deputy CM announces MMRDA expert panel to tackle traffic congestion with permanent solutions
Thane, Sept 26 — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Thane Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde has promised all-round development of Thane district through innovative schemes, while unveiling major initiatives on infrastructure, health, education, tourism and agriculture.
Speaking at a District Planning Committee meeting held at the Collectorate, Shinde declared that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will set up an expert committee to study and resolve the region’s chronic traffic congestion. The panel will recommend short-, medium- and long-term measures and use AI-driven traffic management systems and drones to improve urban mobility.
Massive funding for Thane development
The Deputy CM revealed that in 2024-25, ₹1,167.37 crore funds saw 99.98% utilization, while in 2025-26 (till August), ₹1,252.99 crore was allocated with 23% spent so far. He directed all agencies to ensure 100% fund utilization this fiscal, with strict limits on diversions and procurement spending.
Plans include:
- Converting all Primary Health Centres into Smart Health Centres
- Upgrading Zilla Parishad and local body schools into Smart Schools through CSR and public participation
- Rolling out solar-powered government offices (rooftop solar)
- Developing 39 tourist spots in Thane with a new “Explore Thane” tourism app
- ₹80 crore Maradepada development plan and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shaktipeeth project
- Taluka sports complexes, Rajbhumi portal, skill-development and self-employment programmes
Tackling water shortage & flood damage
Shinde said discussions are underway to raise the height of Chikhli Dam and lift water from Ulhas River for Ulhasnagar’s drinking needs, with support from the Nagarotthan scheme. He also urged immediate rehabilitation measures related to Kaloo Dam.
For areas hit by floods and heavy rains, funds from the district plan will be used to repair roads, bridges, schools, Anganwadis and health centres. Assistance will also reach families facing house collapses and property damage.
Push for natural farming and tribal development
Highlighting the state’s commitment to natural farming, Shinde said the acreage has expanded from 7,000 hectares last year and will increase further this year to benefit farmers. He also emphasized support for tribal welfare and hilly area development funds.
Shinde appealed for generous public contributions to support flood-affected farmers across Maharashtra, calling it the government’s moral duty to wipe the tears of those in distress.
Launch of “Seva Samvad” initiative
After the meeting, Shinde inaugurated “Seva Samvad”, a citizen feedback service conceptualized by Collector Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal to streamline public grievance redressal.
The meeting was attended by MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde, ministers, MLAs, senior bureaucrats, police commissioners of Thane and Navi Mumbai, and municipal commissioners from across the district.