Municipal authorities, Metro, and Traffic Departments review key preparations

Thane Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Saurabh Rao, has called for a coordinated effort among all local authorities to complete essential pre-monsoon works by 30th April. In a crucial meeting held on 30th January at the Commissioner's office, he underscored the need for timely completion of roadworks to avoid traffic disruptions caused by potholes during the upcoming monsoon season. The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of inter-departmental collaboration to ensure that the city’s infrastructure is ready to handle the heavy rainfall.

The meeting saw the participation of key officials including Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, officers from the Transport Department, Metro Authority, MMRDA, and other concerned agencies.

Rao’s directives focused on ensuring that all departments involved in road repair and maintenance have their tasks completed on time to avoid congestion and potential hazards caused by unaddressed potholes.

“The goal is clear: we must ensure that roads and flyovers, which regularly develop potholes, are properly repaired well before the monsoon. Departments must complete their works on a war footing, and all pre-monsoon activities should be concluded by 30th April,” said Commissioner Rao.

Rao also instructed the concerned authorities to assess potential pothole-prone areas, inspect the work in progress, and ensure that any work related to pothole prevention, such as concreting or using modern repair methods, is of the highest quality.

The Commissioner further stressed that all works by the Metro Authority in the city should be expedited, particularly those involving underground and overhead metro girders, to ensure roads are cleared of any debris that could obstruct traffic.

In addition, Commissioner Rao instructed the removal of debris in areas such as Majivda, Kasarvadavali, Gaymukh, and Ovala Junction, and emphasised that the completed work sites, particularly those involving metro station construction, should be cleared of any remaining barriers.

On the issue of ensuring smooth traffic flow throughout the monsoon, the Commissioner called for an urgent review of ongoing construction projects, including the asphalting of the service road from Philosophy University to Manpada Junction.

The Water Supply Department’s work on laying pipelines in front of Dosti Imperia was also flagged, with an emphasis on completing these projects at the earliest.

Another significant aspect discussed in the meeting was the status of urban development projects that have been delayed due to lack of funds. Commissioner Rao requested a report from the relevant authorities on these unfinished projects.

He also proposed that the necessary funds be sought from Transport Minister and local MLA Pratap Sarnaik to facilitate the completion of these crucial works.

“As the monsoon approaches, it’s imperative that all stakeholders work together to ensure there are no disruptions to the daily life of citizens. I expect full coordination between all agencies to complete pre-monsoon works efficiently,” Commissioner Rao said.