In a recent session of the initiative ‘Thane evolving through my eyes’ the Thane civic chief worked with people from diverse fields to design the Thane Municipal Corporation’s budget. The emphasis was on key concerns such as enhancing transit services, reducing traffic congestion and planning for the city’s future, particularly concerning school students.

Participants stressed the urgent need to improve the city’s transport systems, noting a paucity of buses compared to the rising population. They proposed dedicating a percentage of roadworks funding to improve transport services and emphasised the need to coordinate efforts to reduce traffic congestion. There were conversations about environmental concerns, like noise pollution. The biggest bugbear, parking, was a hot-button topic. The visionary aspect was looking at Thane and its development in 20 years.