In Nashik, persistent heavy rainfall over the past three days has severely disrupted the city’s road infrastructure, exposing critical vulnerabilities and exacerbating traffic woes. Major thoroughfares, including the Nashik-Pune Road, Jail Road, and the Mumbai-Agra Highway, are among those most affected. Areas such as Panchavati, Cidco, and Satpur have also experienced significant road deterioration, with numerous internal roads succumbing to extensive pothole damage.
The impact of these potholes extends beyond mere inconvenience. The poor condition of the roads has significantly slowed vehicular traffic and has been linked to a rise in accidents, particularly among two-wheeler riders. Reports indicate that several incidents have involved riders losing control due to hazardous road conditions, resulting in injuries and vehicle damage. Manoj Kamod, a resident of Deolali Camp, highlighted the severe consequences, including flat tyres and back pain, attributing these issues to the substandard quality of recent road repairs. A resident of Jail Road, further emphasised the struggle faced by motorists, particularly on Jail Road between Bytco Junction and Nashik Road Prison. Dhake noted the perilous condition of the Mumbai-Agra Highway from Dwarka to the Indiranagar underpass, where large potholes and slushy conditions have become commonplace. Bikers, in particular, are at heightened risk of skidding and accidents due to the treacherous road surface.
PI Subhash Pawar from the city traffic branch provided insight into the traffic congestion exacerbated by these road conditions. He attributed some of the traffic snarls to motorists’ tendencies to speed and overtake, which in turn blocks incoming traffic and further aggravates delays. The current situation underscores the urgent need for improved road maintenance and infrastructure resilience. The relentless rainfall has not only highlighted existing flaws in road quality but also calls into question the effectiveness of current road repair and maintenance strategies. Addressing these issues is crucial for restoring smooth traffic flow and ensuring the safety of all road users.
