The Bombay High Court has pulled up civic and state agencies over worsening road conditions in Thane, directing them to fast-track compensation for families affected by pothole-related deaths. The directive follows a petition highlighting repeated lapses in road maintenance and the lack of accountability among agencies managing key stretches, particularly the Ghodbunder Road corridor.
During the hearing, the bench—responding to an application based on a media report—observed that poor-quality repair work, inadequate safety measures, and simultaneous infrastructure projects have created hazardous conditions for commuters. A senior advocate informed the court that at least 18 fatalities linked to potholes had occurred between January and October 2025, underscoring the severity of the issue in one of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s busiest suburban hubs. Civic representatives had earlier claimed that no such deaths had been recorded in Thane, a statement the bench found concerning. After reviewing photographs and recent accounts of traffic disruptions, the court remarked that unbarricaded roadworks and recurring potholes amounted to “an accident waiting to happen”, noting that even non-fatal incidents result in injuries, property damage, and loss of livelihoods for working-class commuters.
Officials with knowledge of the proceedings said infrastructure agencies frequently undertake parallel works along Ghodbunder Road, resulting in long traffic snarls and delayed emergency response. In September, a 16-month-old child in Nalasopara died en route to a hospital after the ambulance was trapped in a six-hour traffic jam caused by repair work—an incident the court described as emblematic of systemic failure. The 20-kilometre Ghodbunder Road falls under the jurisdiction of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the Public Works Department, and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority. Industry experts say this multi-agency structure often leads to fragmented planning and slow decision-making, making the corridor a high-risk zone despite its economic importance as a connector for freight movement between Thane and Gujarat.
In its observations, the court noted that a newly instituted state committee has approved compensation of ₹6 lakh for the family of a 13-year-old boy who died after falling into an open drain. The bench emphasised that compensation should not be delayed in other cases, warning that if responsibility is not clearly assigned, all agencies involved may be ordered to share the financial burden equally. Urban planners say the High Court’s intervention highlights a broader governance challenge for growing cities: the need for coordinated infrastructure delivery that prioritises safety, resilience, and equity. With road networks forming the backbone of mobility for millions, recurring potholes reveal the costs of deferred maintenance, inadequate monitoring, and poor-quality materials—issues that disproportionately affect low-income communities who rely on public roads for daily travel.
The bench has directed all corporations to accelerate repair and improvement works and submit progress reports in January. Observers say sustained oversight may finally push agencies toward adopting durable materials, modern pavement technologies, and safer construction practices, advancing the goal of building more resilient and citizen-centred urban corridors.
Thane Infrastructure Failures Lead Bombay HC To Demand Swift Compensation Action
