Sat Sep 27 05:42:04 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article for The Hindu:

**Summary:**

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a comprehensive development plan for Thane district focusing on traffic congestion solutions, upgrading public services, promoting tourism, addressing flood relief, and improving public grievance redressal. Key initiatives include appointing an expert committee to study traffic congestion across MMRDA, implementing drone and AI-based traffic management systems, converting public health centers and schools into smart facilities, developing tourist spots, expanding natural farming, and prioritizing flood relief efforts. He also highlighted the high utilization of funds from the previous year’s plan and urged agencies to maximize fund utilization in the current year.

**News Article:**

**Thane Gears Up for Major Overhaul with Deputy CM’s Ambitious Development Plan**

**Thane, September 27, 2025:** Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde unveiled a sweeping development plan for Thane district, aimed at modernizing infrastructure, easing traffic woes, boosting tourism, and providing comprehensive flood relief. The announcement came after a district planning committee meeting held on Friday, September 26, 2025.

“We are committed to transforming Thane into a modern, efficient, and resilient district,” stated Mr. Shinde, who also serves as the Guardian Minister of Thane. “This plan addresses critical needs and sets the stage for sustainable growth.”

A key focus of the plan is addressing the perennial issue of traffic congestion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Mr. Shinde announced that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will appoint an expert committee to conduct a thorough study and propose a permanent solution. The plan also includes the implementation of drone and AI-based traffic management systems to optimize traffic flow.

“The expert panel will work in close coordination with all agencies to ensure the implementation of short, medium, and long-term measures, providing lasting relief to commuters,” Mr. Shinde added.

The development plan also prioritizes the modernization of public services, including upgrading primary health centers into “smart health centers” and converting zilla parishad and municipal schools into “smart schools.” The Deputy Chief Minister encouraged the mobilization of funds through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and public participation.

Other key initiatives presented during the meeting include the development of 39 tourist spots, the launch of the “Explore Thane” tourism app, rooftop solar projects to power government offices, expansion of natural farming, and improvements to water supply infrastructure.

Addressing the recent devastating floods in Maharashtra, Mr. Shinde emphasized the government’s commitment to providing assistance to affected farmers and citizens. “It is our moral responsibility to help those in need,” he stated. “We will provide assistance even if certain rules and conditions need to be relaxed.” He also urged the community to support the flood-affected people.

The Deputy Chief Minister also inaugurated “Sewa Samvad,” a new public grievance redressal mechanism designed to improve efficiency in addressing citizen concerns.

The announcement signals a significant investment in Thane’s future and a commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. With its multi-pronged approach, the development plan aims to address critical challenges and unlock the district’s potential for growth and prosperity.

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