Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde has directed the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) administration to prepare an ambitious redevelopment plan for two major civic hospitals. The plan aims to convert Rukminibai Hospital in Kalyan and Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli into modern 500-bed multi-speciality hospitals with attached medical college facilities.
High-Level Review Meeting
During a high-level review meeting at KDMC headquarters on Wednesday, Shinde instructed civic officials to appoint consultants and begin planning for the redevelopment. The move is intended to address the region's growing medical needs, following the model of Thane's Civil Hospital. Shinde also informed that work on a dedicated cancer hospital in Dombivli is ongoing and is expected to become operational by next year.
The meeting was attended by senior KDMC officials, including Commissioner Abhinav Goel, Mayor Harshali Chaudhari, Standing Committee Chairman Mallesh Shetty, and other office-bearers. Discussions also covered several key infrastructure projects across Kalyan-Dombivli.
Water Crisis Resolution
Speaking after the meeting, Shinde said the long-pending water crisis in 27 villages of Kalyan Rural would be resolved within the next six months under the ongoing Amrit Yojana works. The project requires an additional Rs 50 crore due to increased project estimation and pending water connectivity works. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde approved the additional funding, and the sanction letter was handed over to the Mayor during the meeting. KDMC will also contribute another Rs 50 crore, bringing the total additional allocation to Rs 100 crore.
According to Shinde, the funds will help complete crucial works, including water tank connectivity and distribution infrastructure, ensuring a permanent solution to water shortages in the 27 villages.
Infrastructure Projects
The review meeting also discussed replacement of ageing water pipelines in urban areas of Kalyan and Dombivli. KDMC has prepared a detailed project report worth Rs 268 crore to modernise the city's water distribution network.
Shinde further noted that discussions were held on raising funds through municipal bonds. The Centre recently allowed municipal corporations to mobilise finances through this route, with 50 per cent support from the Central government.
Ring Road Project
The ambitious Ring Road project aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Kalyan-Dombivli was another major focus area. Officials reviewed all eight segments of the project. In Segment 3, land acquisition has been completed, and instructions were issued to expedite the process. Shinde added that the revised alignment for Segment 2 by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority is expected to speed up the project. All land acquisition related to the Ring Road project is expected to be completed by July.
Urban Redevelopment
On urban redevelopment, Shinde said KDMC is exploring implementation of a cluster redevelopment scheme on the lines of Mumbai and Thane. The Mayor is expected to visit Thane to study the ongoing cluster redevelopment model there.
Traffic Congestion in Dombivli East
The issue of traffic congestion in Dombivli East was also discussed in detail. Shinde said that after the SATIS project in Kalyan nears completion, KDMC has been directed to prepare a project report for a similar SATIS-style infrastructure project in Dombivli East to seek government funding at the earliest.
