Repair work on the MIDC water pipeline route at Shilphata in Thane has triggered a 24-hour traffic diversion for motorists travelling between Kalyan, Dombivli and Navi Mumbai. The restrictions will remain in force from 7 am on October 4 to 7 am on October 5, according to traffic directions issued by the Mumbra traffic division of the Thane traffic police.
The pipeline route is an important link for light vehicles travelling from the Kalyan-Phata area towards Navi Mumbai. The route has been closed to traffic at its entrance near Kalyan-Phata while the repair work is carried out through the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).
Vehicles travelling from Kalyan-Phata towards Navi Mumbai will have to use the Shilphata route and proceed via the Puja Punjab restaurant road. The diversion has been introduced to keep vehicles away from the section where the pipeline route is being repaired.
Traffic travelling from Navi Mumbai towards Kalyan-Phata through the MIDC pipeline route will also be stopped at the entrance. These vehicles have been directed to continue through Shilphata Chowk instead of using the restricted route.
The traffic changes are expected to affect motorists who regularly use the pipeline road as an alternative connection between the Kalyan-Dombivli area and Navi Mumbai. With vehicles being redirected towards Shilphata and Shilphata Chowk, the traffic police have warned of the possibility of congestion on the surrounding roads if traffic volumes increase.
The repair is being undertaken after the pipeline route was reported to have deteriorated again. The source report notes that the road is repaired through MIDC and that its condition has become a recurring issue, with the route facing deterioration every year. The route’s repeated maintenance needs have made the diversion relevant not only to local residents but also to motorists using it as a shorter connection between the two urban regions.
Motorists approaching the restricted entrances have been instructed to follow the alternate routes indicated by the Thane traffic police. The restrictions will end at 7 am on October 5, when traffic movement through the MIDC pipeline route is scheduled to resume, subject to the completion of the repair work and further directions from the authorities.
