Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Calls for Coordinated Efforts to Improve Mumbai-Goa and Mumbai-Nashik Highways

Mumbai : To mitigate traffic jams caused by potholes on the Mumbai-Goa and Mumbai-Nashik highways, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the district administration to coordinate with the National Highway Authority. The Chief Minister emphasized that both highways should be made pothole-free before Ganeshotsav by strengthening bypasses and service roads. He also announced plans to inspect the progress of both highways after August 10.

In a meeting at the Sahyadri guest house regarding the current status of these highways, Chief Minister Shinde stressed the importance of ensuring a pleasant and safe journey for the lakhs of workers traveling to Konkan during Ganeshotsav. He instructed that heavy traffic on this route should be diverted to alternative routes and the widening of the Mumbai-Goa highway should be prioritized to facilitate smoother traffic flow. Reflectors should be installed where necessary, and safety nets should be placed on the Mumbai-Pune Express line at Parashuram Ghat, which is prone to cracks. Additionally, any construction materials should be removed from completed road sections to clear the way.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the need for the police administration to take special care in reducing traffic congestion in Mangaon and Indapur during Ganeshotsav. For the comfort of Ganesha devotees, he instructed that medical aid rooms and vehicle repair facilities be arranged every 10 km along the highway.

Chief Minister Shinde reviewed the current status of the Mumbai-Nashik highway during the meeting. To reduce traffic congestion, he suggested parking arrangements for heavy vehicles in the Bhiwandi area and filling potholes. He urged the National Highway Authority and local administration to work together to identify and resolve traffic jam spots. He also recommended appointing a senior officer in Thane district to ensure all work is done efficiently and on time.

Additionally, the Chief Minister provided necessary instructions to the concerned authorities on measures to reduce traffic congestion on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway.

Attendees at the Meeting:

• School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar
• Ports, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Sanjay Bansode
• MLA Kishore Darade
• Bharat Gogawle
• Former MP Brigadier Sudhir Sawant
• Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister IS Chahal
• Additional Chief Secretary of Public Works Department Manisha Mhaiskar
• Chief Engineer of National Highway Authority Srivastava
• Other dignitaries