The recently concreted stretch of the Mumbai-Nashik highway near Bhiwandi has encountered unexpected challenges, with cracks surfacing just months after completion, raising concerns about construction quality and maintenance protocols.
This development comes amid ongoing road widening and bridge construction projects between Thane and the Padgha toll plaza, exacerbating traffic congestion during peak hours. Motorists have reported encountering potholes on various sections, highlighting discrepancies where newly laid concrete meets older tar roads. According to local complaints, the contractor responsible for the project has been accused of using substandard materials, resulting in premature road deterioration despite assurances of longevity.
Residents, such as regular commuter and Bhiwandi resident X handle Proud Bhiwandikar, expressed frustration over the deteriorating conditions of what is a vital lifeline for the area. Lamenting the lack of reliable train services, Bhiwandi residents rely heavily on the Mumbai-Nashik highway for daily commuting, making the current state of the road particularly disruptive. An official from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) acknowledged the issues, attributing the cracks to the inherent challenges of rigid pavement roads versus traditional flexible tar roads.
The highway is currently within its defect liability period (DLP), during which the contractor is obligated to rectify any structural deficiencies. Temporary measures, such as applying mastic asphalt to cover cracks, have been implemented with plans for comprehensive repairs post-monsoon. The MSRDC, responsible for a 23-km stretch from Thane to Wadpe, clarified that maintenance beyond this point towards Nashik falls under the jurisdiction of the toll operator.
