Thane’s civic administration has taken a firm position on the long-pending transfer of the Ghodbunder Road stretch, stating that it will assume responsibility only after the existing authorities repair the pothole-ridden corridor and restore it to a safe, commutable condition. The road is a crucial connector for daily traffic between Thane, Mumbai, and Mira Road, and has faced prolonged deterioration due to infrastructure works and fragmented jurisdiction.
At a recent review meeting attended by elected representatives, the municipal commissioner reiterated that the civic body cannot take charge of an asset that has suffered years of delayed repair, reduced width, and heavy monsoon damage. According to officials, multiple agencies — including the state’s public works department and the metropolitan development authority — currently handle different segments of the stretch, creating persistent ambiguity and gaps in accountability for maintenance. Ghodbunder Road carries one of the heaviest vehicle loads in the region, but ongoing metro construction, service road integration works and utility relocations have narrowed the carriageway. Frequent waterlogging and the impact of monsoon rains have further deepened potholes, prompting commuter complaints and increasing the risk of road accidents. Residents have also resisted parts of the service road merger, citing disruptions, poor traffic management and concerns about safety.
The municipal administration has prepared a proposal of approximately ₹69 crore to address immediate structural challenges, including the shifting of transformers, overhead lines and more than 40 electricity poles currently obstructing the alignment. Discussions between the metropolitan authority and the power utility are underway, officials said, but the pace of coordination has slowed overall progress. Meanwhile, the adjoining stretch from Gaumukh to Fountain has already been transferred to the neighbouring municipal corporation, and preliminary steps to hand over the remaining section from Kapurbawdi to Gaumukh to Thane are ongoing. However, the civic body maintains that without the road being brought to basic motorable standards, the transfer would impose an unfair financial burden on local taxpayers, especially given repeated delays and funding gaps cited by the existing custodians.
Urban mobility experts note that Ghodbunder Road plays a pivotal role in shaping Thane’s future transit ecosystem, particularly as the city expands its metro links and strengthens east–west connectivity. They emphasise that clear ownership, streamlined management and sustainable road design are essential for reducing congestion and improving commuter experience. For residents, the immediate concern remains safety and reliable daily movement. The commissioner’s stance reflects growing pressure on agencies to ensure roads meet minimum quality standards before jurisdictional changes. As Thane plans for a more resilient and inclusive mobility network, the condition of Ghodbunder Road will likely remain a key test of inter-agency cooperation and long-term urban planning.
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