The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is set to revise its 2018 Comprehensive Transport Plan to address the challenges expected in the next five years. This revision will be conducted in collaboration with IIT-Bombay's 'GISE Hub,' as announced by Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao.

The original comprehensive transport plan was finalized in 2018, following years of preparation starting in 2010. The plan focused on developing metro rail systems, new suburban railway stations, a coastal road from Anand Nagar to Saket, and other infrastructural projects like subways, based on the city's projected growth and population density. These provisions were designed to improve traffic management across Thane.

The need to revisit the plan arose after analysing the current situation and the traffic challenges anticipated in the coming years. Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao emphasized that the revised plan would cater to the expected growth of Thane and its traffic dynamics by 2030. To achieve this, the TMC will collaborate with IIT-B’s GISE Hub, utilizing advanced models and expert insights over the next year.

The primary objective of this revision is to assess the implementation of measures suggested in the original plan and make necessary updates based on the evolving traffic situation in the city. The study will focus on addressing issues related to increased traffic, school buses, solid waste transportation, and construction-related disruptions. New solutions like dedicated pedestrian zones, cycle tracks, and exploring water transport options for the creek near Thane will also be considered.

As part of the planning process, TMC will also gather public feedback before finalizing the revised transport plan. The study will involve coordination between various departments, including the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Public Works Department, traffic police, metro authorities, MMRDA, railways, and environmental experts.

This comprehensive approach aims to create a sustainable, efficient, and congestion-free transport system that will cater to the city's growth and meet the demands of 2030.

Key areas to be studied during this realignment include:

• Impact of altered traffic patterns and congestion points.
• Managing traffic from school buses, solid waste vehicles, and construction projects.
• Incorporating dedicated cycle tracks and pedestrian-only zones.
• Developing systems for better metro, rail, and parking connectivity.
• Traffic congestion issues at critical points like Three Hat Naka.
• Exploring the potential of water transport using Thane Creek.