Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has set a stringent deadline for the resolution of traffic congestion. Following a recent report highlighting the dismal state of national highways linking Mumbai with key regions, Pawar has mandated that authorities must rectify the traffic problems on the Mumbai-Nashik route within the next ten days or face suspension.
The highway, a vital link connecting Mumbai with northern Maharashtra, has suffered severe traffic disruptions due to deteriorating conditions exacerbated by potholes and ongoing construction work on underpasses and flyovers. Key points of concern include Asangaon and Vasind, which have seen intensified traffic congestion. In a high-level meeting attended by additional chief secretaries from the public works department (PWD), planning department, and finance department, as well as Food and Civil Supplies Department and regional MLAs, Pawar expressed frustration with the current state of affairs.
Elected representatives and officials highlighted the contractors’ failure to address urgent repairs, leading to severe inconvenience for motorists. The journey between Mumbai and Nashik, covering a distance of approximately 170 kilometres, now takes between 8 to 10 hours—twice the usual travel time—due to the highway’s poor condition. Pawar has directed officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to collaborate with the PWD and other relevant agencies, including the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), traffic police, and municipal authorities from Bhiwandi, Kalyan, and Nashik, to expedite the repair process.
He has also instructed that drone footage be used to document the extent of the damage. The urgency of the situation is underscored by Pawar’s warning failure to restore smooth traffic flow within the stipulated period will result in suspension of the responsible officials. This directive follows a previous announcement by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in October 2021, which promised an investment of INR 5,000 crore over two and a half years for upgrading the highway. Despite these assurances, the highway’s condition remains dire nearly three years later.
