Travel Chaos: Nashik-Palghar Emerges As Preferred Route Amid Nashik-Mumbai Highway Woes

Cab operators are now opting for the Nashik-Palghar route instead of the Nashik-Mumbai highway, reducing travel time to six hours. The poor condition of the Nashik-Mumbai national highway has led to this change. Industrialists and businessmen are booking hotels due to frequent delays.

Nashik-Palghar Route Preferred

Sagar Waghchaure, President of the Travel Agents Association of Nashik (TAAN), confirmed that cab operators are avoiding the Nashik-Mumbai highway. He mentioned that it takes about nine hours to complete a one-way trip on this route. "During our routine meeting, one of the travel agents informed us that their clients missed their flight because it took them nine hours to reach the Mumbai airport from Nashik," Waghchaure said.

He added that issues related to rainfall and potholes are understandable, but there is no planning to find a solution. Containers and trucks occupy all lanes on the highway between Shahapur and Wasind. "Everyone should come together and protest against this," he urged.

Industrialists' Concerns

Ashish Nahar, Vice-President of Nashik Industries & Manufacturers Association (NIMA), stated that many industrialists and businessmen from Nashik have to travel a day before their scheduled meetings and stay in hotels. This is due to the unpredictable travel times caused by the poor road conditions.

The association recently met with officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), requesting urgent repairs on the road. NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule also demanded state government intervention through a post on X, formerly known as Twitter highlighting the need for immediate improvements.

Highway Police Efforts

An officer from the highway police mentioned that work on filling potholes and other repairs is underway. "The works would soon be completed, and commuters would not have to suffer," said the officer.

In another incident, four people were killed in a car-truck collision near Adgaon on the Mumbai-Agra highway. The police are investigating the cause as traffic disruptions were reported on the highway.

Additionally, six people from Mumbai died in an accident near Chikodra crossroads on Vadodara-Ahmedabad Expressway. A speeding truck collided with a luxury bus, resulting in casualties. Anand police have taken action against the truck driver.

The current state of highways highlights significant challenges faced by commuters due to deteriorating road conditions. Efforts are being made to address these issues promptly.