End Mumbai-Nashik Highway Traffic Woes, Says Dy CM Pawar; Warns of Suspending Erring Officials

Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday directed ministration to suspend concerned official if traffic flow on Mumbai-Nashik highway does not get smooth in 10 days.

He also asked authorities to submit a proposal to halt toll collection on Mumbai-Nashik highway until potholes are filled and stretch is repaired.

"Officers should inspect traffic congestion spots with public representatives and prepare traffic management plan. y must regularly monitor traffic with drones for efficient management. Directives have been given to substantially reduce traffic congestion caused due to potholes, underpasses, and flyover works on highway," he said.

No new work must be permitted without providing alternative concrete ros equivalent to original ro, Pawar said and directed that all possible measures be implemented on a priority basis.

" Maharashtra Government will provide all necessary assistance. However, if traffic on this highway is not smooth within next 10 days, responsible officer will be suspended," Ajit Pawar instructed ditional Chief Secretary of Public Works Department on Thursday.

A meeting regarding improvement of Mumbai-Nashik highway, an important and major route connecting north Maharashtra to state capital, was held under chairmanship of Pawar in his committee room at Mantralaya here.

Currently, flyover works are underway at several locations, including Asangaon and Vashind, and potholes have formed due to rains, causing significant inconvenience to motorists, which has increased travel time between Nashik and Mumbai to 8-10 hours.

"This is a serious issue. Immediate repairs are necessary to alleviate situation. Timely filling of potholes can save time by increasing vehicle speed. However, re has been negligence from highway contractor. Officers from National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and representatives should jointly inspect and prepare drone videos of potholes and damaged ros," Pawar said.

"Until potholes are filled and highway is repaired, proposal to stop toll collection on this highway should be submitted," Pawar said.

He said various works such as upgres, widening, flyovers and underpasses have been ongoing on Mumbai-Nashik highway for past few years, ding that responsibility of coordination to remove traffic congestion on highway is being given to PWD ditional chief secretary.

Officials must coordinate with NHAI, Maharashtra State Ro Development Corporation, Public Works Department, traffic police as well as municipal commissioners of Bhiwandi, Kalyan and Nashik to implement measures within next 10 days, Pawar said.

Pointing out to traffic disruptions due to vehicles breaking down on highway, Pawar said traffic police must make available 40 tonne cranes to remove such vehicles speedily.

" NHAI and MSRDC should provide funds to traffic police. During peak hours, drones should be used to monitor traffic congestion points. Assistance of home guards should be taken for traffic control. wardens provided to traffic police by MSRDC should be given uniforms. required funds will be provided by planning committee," deputy CM said.