Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar gave a strict warning to the officials and said that they should repair the Mumbai-Nashik highway in 10 days. Also said that if the traffic on the highway does not improve within 10 days, the officials concerned will be suspended. Ajit Pawar asked the officials to submit a proposal to stop toll collection till the potholes on the highway are filled and the repairs are completed.
Ajit Pawar issued these orders in strong words with Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), Public Works Department (PWD), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other departments over the issues of potholes, delay in repairs and traffic management on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. Gave during the discussion.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said that this is a serious issue. Immediate repairs are necessary to alleviate the problem. Timely filling of potholes can save time by increasing the speed of vehicles. However, there has been negligence on the part of the contractor on the highway. He said that NHAI officials should jointly inspect potholes and damaged roads and prepare drone videos. Maharashtra government will provide all necessary assistance for this. If the traffic on this highway is not smooth within the next 10 days, the responsible officer will be suspended.
Ajit Pawar gave instructions to the Additional Chief Secretary of PWD. The meeting was told that due to potholes on the road, the travel time between Nashik and Mumbai has increased to 8 to 10 hours, which is more than double the normal time for the two cities, 166 km apart.
After the meeting, Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA from Bhiwandi (East) Raees Shaikh welcomed Ajit Pawar’s instructions and said that I appreciate the concern shown by the Deputy CM. However, this situation exposes the contractor-agency nexus, which is causing inconvenience to the public.
Let us tell you that Mumbai-Nashik Highway is an important route connecting North Maharashtra with Mumbai and there is heavy traffic on it throughout the year. Presently construction work is going on at Asangaon, Vashind and some other places.