Newly appointed Thane Collector Shrikrishna Panchal today outlined an ambitious roadmap to address the city’s chronic traffic congestion and drive comprehensive development across the district. Speaking to reporters, Panchal detailed a multi-pronged strategy focusing on transportation, road safety, tourism, agriculture, education, and digital governance, signaling a transformative vision for one of Maharashtra’s most populous regions.

To combat Thane’s notorious traffic woes, Panchal announced immediate repair work at Gaimukh ghat and a proposal to widen the Gaimukh road to 60 feet, pending forest department approval. Restrictions on heavy vehicles during peak hours have been introduced, with alternative routes in Vasai taluka under review. Traffic planning for critical corridors like Ghodbunder, Bhiwandi, and Shahapur is also being prioritized to enhance connectivity and reduce bottlenecks, ensuring smoother commutes for residents and commuters.

Panchal vowed to crack down on illegal constructions on government land and pledged to make Thane pothole-free by engaging private agencies. Additionally, new service lanes along Metro routes are planned to improve urban mobility. These infrastructure upgrades aim to modernize Thane’s transport network, aligning with the city’s rapid urbanization and growing population demands.

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On the tourism front, Panchal revealed plans to develop 39 identified tourist spots across the district. Key projects include the near-complete Malanggad ropeway, a skywalk at Malshej ghat, and a glass bridge at Kalu waterfall, designed to boost Thane’s appeal as a tourist destination. By integrating these initiatives with advancements in agriculture, education, and digital governance, Panchal’s vision promises a holistic transformation of Thane, positioning it as a model of sustainable urban development.

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