Saurabh Rao, a seasoned bureaucrat of the 2003 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) batch, has officially taken charge as the Administrator and Commissioner of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). The transition of power occurred on Friday morning, with District Magistrate Ashok Shingare formally handing over the responsibilities to Mr.Rao.

Mr. Rao, who hails from Uttar Pradesh and holds a Master's degree in Political Science from Lucknow University, brings with him a wealth of administrative experience. Prior to his assignment in Thane, he served as the Cooperative Commissioner in Pune, showcasing his expertise in various administrative roles across Maharashtra.

In his extensive career, Rao has held key positions such as Chief Executive Officer of Gondia Zilla Parishad, Collector of Nandurbar, Commissioner of Solapur Municipal Corporation, and Collector of Nagpur, among others. His tenure as Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation and Divisional Commissioner of Pune further bolstered his reputation as a capable administrator.

Expressing his vision for Thane, Mr. Rao emphasized his commitment to transforming the city into a premier urban centre, focusing on modern amenities and infrastructure development. During interactions with the media, he highlighted the importance of addressing pressing issues like transportation, water management, drainage, and encroachment, while ensuring citizen participation in decision-making processes.

Mr. Rao outlined his ambitious plans for Thane, including the formulation of a comprehensive action plan spanning the next 25 years. This plan will prioritize urgent, medium-term, and long-term developmental goals, with a keen emphasis on environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality.

Acknowledging the significance of collaboration with public representatives, media, and conscientious citizens, he expressed confidence in steering Thane Municipal Corporation towards a successful trajectory. His commitment to inclusive governance was evident as he pledged to engage the youth in initiatives aimed at fostering a greener and more liveable city.

Following his interactions with the media, Commissioner Mr. Rao convened a meeting with senior officials and department heads to chart out the roadmap for Thane's future development. As he assumes leadership, all eyes are on Rao to lead Thane towards its envisioned status as a model city for residents and visitors alike.