Navi Mumbai’s ambitions to become a world-class economic hub are being jeopardised by a critical failure in its core infrastructure. The Ulwe–Belapur road, a vital artery connecting the city to the upcoming international airport, is riddled with deep potholes, creating a significant hazard for daily commuters. This crumbling infrastructure poses a direct threat to public safety and severely undermines the city’s vision of a sustainable and equitable future. The current state of the road is in stark contrast to the modern transport network required to support a major international airport, exposing a crucial gap in urban planning and maintenance that risks tarnishing the city’s global image before the airport even opens.
The deteriorating state of the road, exacerbated by recent monsoon rains, has transformed a standard 15-minute journey into a frustrating hour-long ordeal. The economic cost of this inefficiency is substantial, as it leads to increased fuel consumption from idling vehicles, higher maintenance costs for private cars, and significant loss of productivity for commuters. Beyond the financial impact, the environmental toll is considerable. The constant stop-and-go traffic directly contributes to higher carbon emissions, which runs contrary to any city’s agenda of fostering a zero-net-carbon environment. This single infrastructural failure highlights a systemic issue where a lack of consistent maintenance can nullify the benefits of major development projects.
The current situation is further complicated by a lack of administrative accountability. When confronted with the issue, officials from the civic corporation stated that their jurisdiction for the road ends at a specific flyover, with the remaining stretch falling under the purview of a different national authority. This jurisdictional ambiguity has created a “blame game,” leaving citizens caught in the middle and solutions at a standstill. It underscores the urgent need for a cohesive, inter-agency governance framework that ensures seamless responsibility for urban infrastructure, eliminating the bureaucratic hurdles that delay essential repairs. Without such a framework, large-scale projects like the new airport will continue to be let down by their supporting networks.
The human-centric impact of this issue cannot be overstated. Residents in the area have voiced their frustration, noting that the poor road quality is a major deterrent to their daily lives, limiting their access to essential services like healthcare, entertainment, and commerce. This lack of access to urban amenities due to subpar infrastructure makes the city less equitable for its inhabitants, particularly for women, who might feel less safe or find it harder to navigate these conditions. The safety concerns are not just limited to commuting; the pothole-ridden roads have led to frequent skidding and accidents, turning a simple journey into a high-risk activity. The public’s demand for immediate and durable repairs is not just about convenience; it is a plea for basic safety and respect for their quality of life.
The city’s leadership must address this issue with the same vigour with which they promote the new airport. A world-class airport demands a world-class supporting infrastructure, including well-maintained, safe, and efficient road networks. The current state of the Ulwe–Belapur road serves as a stark warning that sustainable urban development must be holistic, and neglecting foundational elements can undermine even the most ambitious projects. The path forward requires decisive action, collaborative governance, and a steadfast commitment to maintaining the city’s assets for the larger interest of its society and economy.
