Thane's neta ascends CM seat, locals hope for developed district

THANE: With MLA Eknath Shinde being anointed as the chief minister of Maharashtra, Thane also got its first big opportunity to lead the state following which activists and leaders now hope the pace of several crucial big ticket infrastructure projects in the district will finally get some traction.
Thane is largely considered as a dormitory district for Mumbai as a large workforce from here travels to the megapolis on a daily basis using the existing but saturated alternatives like the road and railways. The demand for alternatives like exploring the vast waterways and also using the metro lines to cut through the dense suburbs and provide faster and comfortable journey to and from Mumbai remains a dream that could be achieved with Shinde at the helm.
Staunch Eknath Shinde loyalist and former Thane mayor Naresh Mhaske said Shinde has been at the forefront for pushing several transport projects like the Thane bypass roads, Thane-Borivli twin tunnel project along with the waterways on the tracks and these vital works could see some traction in the coming years.
BJP city president and MLC Niranjan Davkhare said the city desperately needs an upgrade in health and education sector and said they will soon put up a proposal before the government for the same.
Meanwhile, the issue of rehabilitation of residents staying in dilapidated and illegal structures across the district is also another issue that needs to be explored with activists suggesting these avenues be explored. “The initial phase of cluster redevelopment is already under various stages of execution and we are hoping it gains more pace and thousands of residents staying in dangerous conditions get a safe place to stay,” said a local resident.
The issue of potable water supply across the district remains a pressing issue which residents say should also get some resolution at the earliest. “Several parts of Thane city especially the developing areas of Ghodbunder road remain parched and rely on tankers. The situation is no different in other cities in the district following which the CM must look into resolving the issue at the earliest,” said BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar.
“An independent dam for Thane city has always remained a pipe dream for ages and needs prompt resolution to ensure the city gets uninterrupted water,” added Davkhare.