Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar issued a strong warning to officials regarding the urgent need to address the traffic congestion and potholes on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. The threat of suspending officials who fail to take action within the next 10 days has put pressure on authorities to expedite repairs and improve the road conditions.
Officials expressed their frustrations with the contractors responsible for maintenance, citing heavy rainfall as the cause of numerous potholes that have made the journey from Mumbai to Nashik much longer than usual. The 170 km trip now takes 8-10 hours, doubling the travel time for commuters.
In response to the deteriorating conditions of the highway, Pawar instructed public representatives and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to conduct a joint inspection of the road. Drone footage will be used to document the extent of the damage and identify areas in need of immediate attention. The Maharashtra government has pledged its full support to ensure that necessary repairs are completed promptly.
Furthermore, Pawar directed the PWD’s Manisha Mhaiskar to collaborate with other organizations, including the NHAI, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), traffic police, and municipal corporations, to address the issues plaguing the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. This collaborative effort aims to streamline the repair process and minimize disruptions to commuters.
The poor conditions of the national highway have been a longstanding concern, with reports highlighting the challenges faced by motorists due to potholes and ongoing construction work on flyovers and underpasses. The Mumbai-Nashik Highway serves as a vital link between the state capital and northern Maharashtra, underscoring the importance of expediting repairs and improving road safety.
Despite Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s announcement in 2021 regarding a significant upgrade and reduction in travel time on the Mumbai-Nashik national highway, the current state of the road paints a different picture. The promised INR 5,000 crore investment has yet to materialize fully, leaving commuters grappling with prolonged travel times and deteriorating road conditions.
As the deadline set by Ajit Pawar looms, officials are under immense pressure to address the pressing issues on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway promptly. The collaboration between various government agencies and stakeholders is crucial in ensuring that the necessary repairs are completed efficiently, restoring the highway to a safe and efficient state for all commuters.
