Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde inaugurated the groundbreaking ' Grand Central Park' in Thane on 8^th February. A collaborative effort between the Thane Municipal Corporation and Kalpataru Group, the park is hailed as a sanctuary for individuals of all ages, offering respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. CM Shinde announced the name of the park as ‘Namo the Grand Central Park’.

Amidst a distinguished gathering including School Education and Marathi Language Minister Deepak Kesarkar, MLA Sanjay Kelkar, MLA Pratap Sarnaik, and other prominent figures, Chief Minister Shinde unveiled the park's name.

Following the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Shinde embarked on a tour of the park, marvelling at its innovative features inspired by parks and attractions from around the globe. Emphasizing the significance of green spaces, he lauded the park's lush vegetation, boasting approximately 3500 trees, and commended the developers for their ingenuity in constructing the park through Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) without utilizing municipal funds.

Describing the park as an urban forest and an 'Oxygen Park,' Chief Minister Shinde highlighted its diverse attractions, including fountains, lakes, and a miniature park showcasing replicas of world wonders. He highlighted the park's role in providing a unique recreational experience for residents, eliminating the need for international travel to witness renowned landmarks.

MLA Sanjay Kelkar expressed confidence in the park's potential to become a major tourist destination, echoing the sentiments of the Chief Minister. He envisioned the park as a symbol of magnificence, catering to the leisure needs of visitors from near and far.

In addition to inaugurating the park, Chief Minister Shinde outlined plans for further enhancing Thane's recreational offerings, instructing Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar to develop a snow park, which he envisioned as a source of delight for Thane residents.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Shinde emphasized the importance of a comprehensive cleanliness campaign in Thane, akin to the ongoing efforts in Mumbai. He directed authorities to extend the campaign to internal roads, ensuring thorough cleaning and removal of debris to uphold Thane's pristine environment.