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 the administration to suspend the concerned official if traffic flow on the Mumbai-Nashik highway does not get smooth in 10 days.

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

"Officers should inspect traffic congestion spots with public representatives and prepare traffic management plan. They 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 the highway," he said.

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

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

A meeting regarding the improvement of the Mumbai-Nashik highway, an important and major route connecting north Maharashtra to the state capital, was held under the 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 the situation. Timely filling of potholes can save time by increasing vehicle speed. However, there has been negligence from the highway contractor. Officers from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and representatives should jointly inspect and prepare drone videos of the potholes and damaged roads," Pawar said.

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

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

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

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

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