Thane’s Ghodbunder Road has been plagued by severe traffic jams for two consecutive days, with Thursday’s disruptions being a repeat of the chaos experienced on Wednesday. The persistent traffic issues have been attributed to a combination of a truck mishap and heavy vehicle influx due to the delayed launch of Metro Line 4.
On Wednesday, a truck accident early in the day caused a significant traffic snarl that lasted nearly 11 hours, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. The incident severely impacted travel between Thane and Mumbai, with many residents and students caught in the gridlock. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) reported that the girder launching for Metro Line 4, a key infrastructure project, contributed to the congestion. “The girder installation was scheduled to be completed by 5 a.m., but due to delays, it finished around 6:30 a.m.,” the Deputy Commissioner explained. This delay led to an influx of heavy vehicles from the outskirts entering the city, exacerbating the traffic issues.
The situation was further complicated as daily commuters from Thane and surrounding areas joined the fray, with some vehicles moving against the traffic flow. The traffic police responded by deploying between 100 to 120 personnel to manage and alleviate the congestion. By approximately 2 p.m., the situation had been brought under control. Local commuters have expressed frustration over the recurrent traffic problems. “I’ve been arriving late to the office for the past two days. The traffic in Thane has been horrendous,” said a local employee.
The ongoing traffic issues highlight the challenges associated with major infrastructure projects and their impact on daily commuting. While the completion of Metro Line 4 is expected to ease long-term travel in the region, current disruptions underscore the need for better traffic management during such large-scale operations.
