The arrival of the monsoon has once again laid bare the structural frailties of the Mumbai–Goa Highway, as potholes and waterlogged service roads re-emerge along critical stretches, spotlighting long-standing delays and maintenance lapses.
Despite repeated assurances from top government officials, the vital corridor—intended as a gateway to coastal Konkan—remains riddled with safety concerns, especially in sections under construction across Raigad district. In Lonere village, where a flyover remains incomplete, heavy rainfall over the weekend carved out deep potholes in the adjoining service roads. Pools of rainwater have turned visibility into a guessing game for motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders. Attempts by the National Highways Authority to stabilise the area with gravel have only worsened conditions, as loose stones and wet mud have led to repeated skidding incidents and minor accidents.
Neighbouring villages along the highway such as Tempale and Kolad Naka face similar challenges. Gravel used in temporary patchwork is routinely washed away by rainwater, creating uneven and dangerous road surfaces. With no durable surfacing in place, daily commuters and freight vehicles continue to brave treacherous terrain. At choke points like Nagothane and Amtem, potholes are not just safety risks—they’ve triggered traffic pileups, stalling goods movement and causing long delays. While stop-gap gravel fillings are being deployed, these lack long-term resilience. Despite this being one of the most strategic road projects in Maharashtra, signs of meaningful progress remain absent.
The government has reiterated multiple completion deadlines for the Mumbai–Goa highway in recent years. The latest official review—helmed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and MP Sunil Tatkare—provided little clarity on an actionable timeline. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed optimism about a June 2025 completion, but with just weeks to go, on-ground realities tell a different story. Adding to the disarray are halted bypass projects in Indapur and Mangaon. These essential road diversions, crucial for easing congestion, have hit administrative roadblocks and stalled due to contractor replacements. Officials now estimate an additional 12 to 18 months before any visible development occurs on these fronts.
The resurfacing of potholes after just one bout of rain underscores deeper failures in planning and execution. Infrastructure development in a climate-vulnerable region like coastal Maharashtra demands greater accountability, climate resilience planning, and transparent contractor oversight. The persistent breakdown of service roads during monsoon not only compromises public safety but also undermines the economic utility of the corridor, which is vital for trade, tourism, and regional connectivity. As Metro Line 3 in Mumbai managed to sustain operations during the same downpour, albeit with a hiccup at Acharya Atre Station, the crumbling state of the Mumbai–Goa highway draws an unflattering comparison. The situation calls for urgent intervention—not merely in the form of promises, but in durable, climate-adapted infrastructure solutions that protect both citizens and the environment.
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