Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stones for Various Development Works in Thane Municipal Area

Thane : Thane city is transforming—amenities are coming in, and under the Cluster Scheme, every household will receive a home by 2020. Today’s inauguration ceremony marks fulfillment of that promise. The state knows we deliver on our word, stated Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the inauguration and foundation-laying of multiple development projects in Thane.

At Dadoji Konddev Sports Auditorium, he inaugurated the modernized seating arrangement and began the expansion project of the Khandu Rangnekar Badminton Hall. He performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the new structure at Anand Dighe Tower in Jambhli Naka, beautification of the Thane station precinct, and the launch of the water treatment plant. He also inaugurated the Seth Lakhmichand Fatechand Maternity Hospital and addressed the public.

Shinde praised MP Naresh Mhaske, former corporator Malti Patil, and municipal officials for their efforts in creating this excellent maternity facility, and instructed the municipality to ensure its maintenance.

He noted that the Atkoly grounds are being developed into a park, 200,000 trees will be planted under the Green Thane Initiative, and the municipality is experimenting with organic farming. Such initiatives are changing Thane city.

Earlier, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao presented detailed updates on all projects, mentioning that ten Urban Ayushman health centres are now operational, a mobile clinic is available, and drainage works have commenced.

Dignitaries present: Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, MP Naresh Mhaske, Commissioner Saurabh Rao, former MLA Ravindra Phatak, former mayor Ashok Vait, Meenakshi Shinde, ex-transport chairperson Vilas Joshi, ex-corporator Malti Patil, Ramakant Patil, Bharat Chavan, Pooja Wagh, Sudhir Kokate, Additional Commissioners Sandeep Malvi (1) and Prashant Rode (2), City Engineer Prashant Sonagra, badminton association president Shrikant Wad, Deputy Collectors Umesh Birari & Meenal Palande, suburban engineer Shubhangi Keswani, Assistant Commissioner Sopan Bhaik & Rajesh Sonawane, Chief Medical Health Officers Dr. Prasad Patil, Dr. Varsha Sasane, Dr. Rani Shinde, Tree Officer Kedar Patil, and others.

Key Projects Inaugurated by Deputy CM Shinde

1. Reconstruction of Dharmveer Anand Dighe Tower at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan
   • Memorial and meditation temple planned
   • 43m tower with open theatre, green room, and library
   • Renovated entrance gate; ₹15 crore budget; completion expected by April 2026
2. Thane Railway Station Precinct Beautification
   • Pedestrian and traffic improvements, new rickshaw/taxi stands, drainage, footpaths, signage, zebra crossings, lane markings
   • ₹4 crore; due by December 2025
3. Khandu Rangnekar Badminton Hall Expansion
   • Addition of 5 courts, separate hostels, gym, and international-standard facilities
   • Aimed at producing Olympic-level athletes within 2 years
4. Balakum Sports Complex & Olympic-Standard Shooting Range
   • Constructed on ~2.5 acres via TDR, no municipal funding
   • Facilities include shooting range (10/20/50m), skating rink, jogging track, lawns, basketball, tennis, volleyball courts, indoor games, gym, and banquet hall
5. Municipal Drainage Construction Project
   • Funded by the Urban Development Department
   • ₹200 crore allocated
6. “Be The Change” Smart Anganwadi Project
   • 40 smart preschools with e-learning via smart TVs
7. Rotary Club Collaboration
   • Skills Development Centre at School No. 19, Vishnu Nagar
   • CSR training by Raymonds and Voltas; youth employment opportunities
   • E-rickshaw distribution to underprivileged women and third-gender individuals (10 units)

Additional Initiatives

• Dadoji Konddev Sports Auditorium
  • Installed 12,500 chairs, media box, big screens; suitable for Ranji & IPL team practice; cost ₹7.65 crore
• Seth Lakhmichand Fatechand Maternity Hospital, Kopri
  • Renovation funded ₹1 crore; 25 beds, pre- and post-natal services, SNCU completed
• Balakum Maternity Hospital
  • Reconstructed in 2025; full maternal and neonatal care under PM’s plan
• Urban Ayushman Health Centres (10 Centres)
  • Central Government-funded; serve ~15,000 residents in various wards
  • Offer free OPD, diagnostics, maternal check-ups, tele-consultation, immunisation, and mental health services; open Mon–Sat, 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
• Kopri Green Park (1,006 sq m)
  • Pathways, gazebo, play area, gym; ₹75 lakh; expected completion December 2025
• Public–Private Tertiary Water Treatment Plant
  • Up to 5 MLD capacity under PPP using ultrafiltration in municipal sewage facility
• Mobile Clinic
  • Equipped via Mayor Organic Pvt Ltd CSR funds
• E-Rickshaw Distribution
  • 15 units distributed to support underprivileged women and promote eco-friendly transport

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde noted, “At Atkoly, a garden is flourishing. Under the Green Thane scheme, 200,000 trees will be planted. The municipality is also experimenting with organic farming. Such efforts are changing Thane city.”

These efforts reflect a coordinated push to advance infrastructure, health, sports, environment, and livelihoods across Thane.