Shinde Unveils Comprehensive Development Plan For Thane

03 Oct 2025 CW Team

Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday announced a comprehensive development plan for Thane district covering traffic management, flood relief, smart health centres, smart schools, renewable energy, tourism, and employment generation.

An expert panel from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has been tasked with studying traffic congestion across the region and suggesting permanent solutions. Approvals were given for drone- and AI-based traffic management systems, as well as rooftop solar projects on government buildings.

Flood-affected areas will see immediate relief, including repairs to damaged roads, bridges, and schools. Water supply upgrades through the Chikhali Dam and Ulhas River projects were also discussed. The plan further emphasises promoting natural farming, boosting agricultural productivity, and extending greater support to farmers.

Shinde stressed the importance of skill development, education, tourism, and infrastructure for holistic district growth. During the meeting, he also launched “Seva Samvad”, a citizen feedback platform designed by District Collector Dr Shrikrishna Panchal to enable transparent and responsive governance.

Officials were directed to coordinate across departments, implement both short- and long-term measures, and ensure efficient use of the district budget, prioritising schemes for health, education, tourism, and livelihoods.

The directives came at a Thane District Planning Committee meeting chaired by Shinde at Planning Bhavan. Progress was reviewed on upgrading all primary health centres into smart health centres and converting schools into smart schools, with funding support mobilised through CSR initiatives and public participation.

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..