Written by Vallabh OzarkarMumbai | September 27, 2025 12:41 AM IST 2 min readShinde said that an MMRDA expert panel has been tasked with studying and providing permanent solutions to traffic snarls across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, officials said (X/@mieknathshinde)Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday announced that a comprehensive development plan will be implemented for Thane district to tackle traffic congestion, flood relief, smart health centers, smart schools, renewable energy, tourism, and employment generation.Shinde said that an MMRDA expert panel has been tasked with studying and providing permanent solutions to traffic snarls across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, officials said.The directives came at a meeting of the Thane District Planning Committee, chaired by Shinde at Planning Bhavan. Officials reviewed progress on upgrading all primary health centers to smart health centers and transforming local schools into smart schools, with funds mobilized through CSR and public participation.Plans to implement drone- and AI-based traffic management systems and rooftop solar projects for government buildings were also approved.Flood-affected areas, including damaged roads, bridges, and schools, will receive immediate relief, while water supply improvements through the Chikhali Dam and Ulhas River projects were discussed. Emphasis was also placed on expanding natural farming, increasing productivity, and supporting local farmers.Shinde also stressed on the importance of skill development, educational initiatives, tourism promotion, and infrastructure projects for holistic district growth. The meeting also saw the inauguration of the “Seva Samvad” citizen feedback platform, designed by District Collector Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal, to enable faster, transparent governance.Officials were instructed to coordinate across departments, implement short- and long-term measures, and ensure efficient use of the district budget, with priority given to schemes related to health, education, tourism, and livelihoods.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Eknath ShindeThane