A survey of the Mumbai-Nashik highway has pinpointed warehouses in Bhiwandi and uncontrolled heavy vehicle traffic as the primary culprits behind the persistent potholes and crippling traffic congestion on the route. The findings were revealed following an inspection of the Thane and Vadape stretch, conducted on Friday, a day after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar directed officials to improve the commuting experience on the highway.
The inspection team, comprising high-ranking officials from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), Thane traffic department, and elected representatives, conducted an on-site assessment. They identified several key factors contributing to the problems. “One major factor contributing to congestion on the highway is the existence of numerous warehouses in the interior regions. These warehouses are frequently accessed by heavy vehicles that often travel at a sluggish pace and in an unregulated manner on internal roads in a dilapidated state. This leads to heavy truck traffic overflowing onto the Nashik highway, impacting other traffic and creating bottlenecks at the Rajnoli and Mankoli junctions,” explained an official who participated in the survey.
The 23-kilometer Thane-Wadape segment of the highway, a vital link connecting Mumbai, Gujarat, Navi Mumbai, and Nashik, witnesses a daily influx of over 1.5 lakh vehicles, including freight, private, and public transport buses. To address the issue, authorities are implementing several measures. “We are deploying more traffic wardens at Rajnoli and Mankoli junctions to regulate traffic to and from the warehouses. We will also request the Bhiwandi Nizampur civic body to improve the road conditions connecting these godowns with the highway. Additionally, we are setting up a control room to manage traffic,” stated Anil Gaikwad, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of MSRDC.
Bhiwandi East MLA Rais Shaikh urged the government to implement the toll waiver proposed by Pawar as soon as possible. The focus on alleviating congestion and improving road conditions on the Mumbai-Nashik highway is a critical step towards ensuring a smoother and safer commuting experience for the large number of travelers who rely on this crucial route.
