Thane civic body unveils draft of updated development plan

16 Oct 2024 CW Team

The Thane Municipal Corporation released a draft of its first revised development plan for the city on Monday, proposing various open spaces and recreational avenues, among other features.

Officials stated that citizens could access the plans and submit their suggestions or objections within the next 60 days.

However, the Congress party objected to the sudden and discreet announcement of the plan, questioning whether it was a tactic to benefit a specific business group and secure funding for the upcoming elections.

A civic official explained that the first development plan for Thane city was approved in 1999 and was due for revision after its 20-year tenure ended a few years ago. The revised development plan, along with detailed plans and maps, is available for public access on the TMC website and at the municipal headquarters in Panchpakhadi. Copies can be obtained by paying a nominal fee.

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jun 2025

MoHUA Plans New Role for Smart City SPVs

In a significant policy move, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has issued an advisory encouraging the continued use and repurposing of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM). This marks a step toward sustaining urban transformation by leveraging institutional capabilities and infrastructure developed over the past decade.Initiated in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission introduced a new era of urban planning in India, with each of the 100 selected cities forming SPVs under the Companies Act, 2013. These entities, jointly owned by state government..

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jun 2025

ADB Approves $110 Million Loan to Boost Skills in Gujarat

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 109.97 million (Rs 9.27 billion) results-based loan to support Gujarat鈥檚 efforts to become a global industrial hub by developing a future-ready, skilled workforce.The funding will back the Gujarat skills development programme, led by the Department of Labour, Skill Development and Employment in collaboration with Kaushalya: The Skill University (KSU). The initiative aims to equip the workforce with advanced, industry-aligned skills to meet rising employment demand in high-growth sectors.According to ADB, the programme seeks to strengthen in..

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jun 2025

SDAL Tests Rudrastra UAV and Bhargavastra Defence System

Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has successfully completed a key flight test of its indigenous Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra at the Pokharan Firing Range, aligning with Indian Army performance benchmarks for mission adaptability, high endurance, precision engagement, and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability.The trial marks a notable achievement in India鈥檚 Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, underscoring advancements in home-grown military technology. The Rudrastra UAV demonstrated a mission radius exceeding 50 km with uninterrupted video relay, a total operational range of over..