Mumbai-Nashik Traffic Crisis Immediate Measures Announced

The Mumbai-Nashik highway, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister has mandated urgent remedial actions to rectify issues caused by potholes, ongoing flyover constructions, and underpasses. The highway, a vital artery connecting North Maharashtra with Mumbai, has become a focal point for the state government as it grapples with severe traffic delays and infrastructure challenges.

During a high-level meeting at Mantralaya, the Chief Minister issued a stern directive to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department, emphasising the critical need for immediate intervention. “The Maharashtra Government will extend all necessary support. However, should traffic conditions on this highway remain unsatisfactory within the next 10 days, the responsible officer will face suspension,” the Chief Minister stated unequivocally. Currently, the highway is plagued by delays due to ongoing construction projects, including flyovers at Asangaon and Vashind, compounded by extensive potholes exacerbated by recent rainfall. These issues have drastically increased travel time between Mumbai and Nashik to approximately 8-10 hours, causing substantial inconvenience to commuters. The Chief Minister’s directives underscore the urgency of repairing potholes and maintaining smooth traffic flow.

He criticised the highway contractor for negligence and demanded joint inspections by National Highways Authority (NHAI) officials and highway representatives. Furthermore, he instructed the creation of drone footage to document the extent of road damage. Immediate measures include the proposal to halt toll collections on the highway until repairs are completed. A comprehensive review of the highway’s condition revealed ongoing problems with road quality and traffic control, particularly at construction sites. The government has designated the Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department to oversee coordination efforts, including the immediate removal of broken-down vehicles, which contribute to traffic jams. The Chief Minister has mandated the provision of 40-ton cranes for this purpose and stressed the need for regular drone surveillance during peak hours to monitor and manage traffic congestion efficiently.

Additionally, stringent conditions are being set for future construction work. The Chief Minister instructed that new projects should not proceed without ensuring the availability of alternative roads that match the height and quality of the existing roads. These measures are intended to prevent further traffic disruptions and ensure that infrastructure development does not exacerbate existing issues. The Maharashtra Government’s decisive actions reflect a commitment to alleviating the traffic woes on the Mumbai-Nashik highway and restoring efficient travel along this crucial route.