No More Toll Until Repairs: Deputy CM Pawar Sets Strict Deadline For Mumbai-Nashik Highway Overhaul

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has issued a stern directive to the administration, warning that officials responsible for traffic flow on the Mumbai-Nashik highway will face suspension if the situation does not improve within 10 days. Pawar also instructed authorities to submit a proposal to halt toll collection on the highway until potholes are filled and repairs are completed.

Immediate Actions Required

Pawar emphasized the need for urgent measures to manage traffic congestion. "Officers should inspect traffic congestion spots with public representatives and prepare a traffic management plan. They must regularly monitor traffic with drones for efficient management. Directives have been given to substantially reduce traffic congestion caused by potholes, underpasses, and flyover works on the highway," he stated.

He further directed that no new work should commence without providing alternative concrete roads equivalent to the original road. "The Maharashtra Government will provide all necessary assistance. However, if the traffic on this highway is not smooth within the next 10 days, the responsible officer will be suspended," Pawar instructed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department.

Meeting Mumbai-Nashik Highway

A meeting to address the improvement of the Mumbai-Nashik highway, a crucial route connecting north Maharashtra to Mumbai, was held under Pawar's chairmanship at Mantralaya.

Currently, flyover construction at various locations, including Asangaon and Vashind, and potholes caused by rains have significantly inconvenienced motorists, extending travel time between Nashik and Mumbai to 8-10 hours.

"This is a serious issue. Immediate repairs are necessary to alleviate the situation. Timely filling of potholes can save time by increasing vehicle speed. However, there has been negligence from the highway contractor. Officers from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and representatives should jointly inspect and prepare drone videos of the potholes and damaged roads," Pawar said. "Until the potholes are filled and the highway is repaired, the proposal to stop toll collection on this highway should be submitted."

Coordination And Implementation

Pawar highlighted that various upgrades, including widening, flyovers, and underpasses, have been ongoing on the Mumbai-Nashik highway for the past few years. He assigned the responsibility of coordinating efforts to remove traffic congestion to the PWD Additional Chief Secretary.

Officials must collaborate with NHAI, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, Public Works Department, traffic police, and municipal commissioners of Bhiwandi, Kalyan, and Nashik to implement measures within the next 10 days.

Addressing traffic disruptions due to vehicle breakdowns, Pawar instructed traffic police to ensure the availability of 40-tonne cranes to remove such vehicles quickly. "The NHAI and MSRDC should provide funds to the traffic police. During peak hours, drones should be used to monitor traffic congestion points. Assistance from home guards should be utilized for traffic control. The wardens provided to the traffic police by MSRDC should be given uniforms. The required funds will be provided by the planning committee," the Deputy Chief Minister said.