As the monsoon season intensifies in Mumbai, daily commuters on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway are facing a nightmare due to the deteriorating condition of the road. The initial showers have unleashed a wave of problems, including numerous potholes and severe waterlogging, making it a treacherous journey for motorists. The situation has been further aggravated by ongoing construction work in multiple stretches of the highway, resulting in prolonged delays and gridlock.
Videos capturing the chaos have gone viral online, showcasing dumpers, cars, and bikes struggling to navigate through the limited passable sections of the road, while vast portions remain submerged in water or marred by potholes. The monsoon’s arrival has exposed the poor condition of NH48, highlighting a lack of proper maintenance and planning.
According to a recent Hindustan Times report, the season’s first rainfall, which lasted for approximately ten minutes, created havoc on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway near Ghodbunder Road in Thane on Saturday. The exact date and time of the video shared on social media platform X could not be independently verified. However, the clip was widely shared by users, garnering over 482,100 views and thousands of comments within a day.
Social media users have voiced their exasperation with the government’s inaction, blaming the current state of the highway on neglect and mismanagement. Many netizens have pointed out that the road was in much better condition before the renovation work commenced.
The chaotic scenes on NH48 have also prompted concerns about the preparedness of the highway infrastructure to handle the monsoon season, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall in the coming weeks. Commuters fear that the situation could worsen significantly if appropriate measures are not taken immediately.
The widespread criticism on social media has prompted some government officials to respond, with promises of swift action to address the concerns raised by commuters. However, many remain skeptical, citing a history of unfulfilled promises and delays in resolving infrastructure issues in the region.
As the monsoon season progresses, commuters and citizens alike hope that the authorities will prioritize the safety and well-being of road users by taking immediate steps to improve the condition of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway.