Maharashtra, September 18, 2024 – Commuters faced major disruptions as severe traffic snarls were reported on the Bhiwandi-Nashik Highway, leaving passengers stranded for more than three hours. The congestion, caused by a combination of ongoing roadworks and an unexpected vehicle breakdown, has become a frequent occurrence in this high-traffic corridor, further aggravating daily commuters and transporters.
Reason for the Traffic Jam
According to reports, the traffic situation worsened when a heavy truck broke down near the Kalyan bypass on the highway, occupying a significant portion of the road. This, coupled with the ongoing repairs to parts of the highway, resulted in vehicles lining up for several kilometers. The construction work, aimed at expanding and improving the condition of the highway, has been a long-standing issue causing slowdowns.
Many commuters expressed frustration as they found themselves stuck in the massive traffic jam for hours without any movement. Those who had urgent work or appointments were particularly inconvenienced. Rahul Verma, a daily commuter on the route, shared, “This stretch has become a nightmare lately. What would typically take me 45 minutes now takes over three hours due to these constant bottlenecks. The authorities need to act fast to fix the issues.”
Impact on Transportation and Economy
The Bhiwandi-Nashik highway is a key route for transporting goods between Maharashtra’s industrial hubs and neighboring states. As a result, the traffic jams have had a significant impact on the movement of goods. Transporters, already grappling with rising fuel costs, expressed concerns about delays affecting supply chains.
In response to the ongoing traffic challenges, local traffic police were deployed in large numbers to manage the situation. However, despite their efforts, the sheer volume of vehicles overwhelmed the arrangements. Authorities have urged commuters to avoid the highway during peak hours and suggested alternate routes wherever possible.
Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) have stated that the road repair and expansion projects are being carried out on a priority basis. “We understand the inconvenience faced by commuters, and we are working to expedite the completion of these projects. Traffic management has been enhanced, but the breakdown of vehicles and poor weather conditions are compounding the problem,” said a PWD representative.
As the situation worsens, many are calling for a more robust and permanent solution to the traffic woes on the Bhiwandi-Nashik highway. While roadwork and improvements are necessary, commuters feel that better planning and coordination are needed to avoid such frequent disruptions. “The authorities should plan such repairs during off-peak hours or at night to minimize inconvenience. It’s unfair to the public to endure this regularly,” another commuter, Sonal Kulkarni, remarked.
In the meantime, drivers and passengers are advised to check traffic updates and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid getting caught in long queues. For now, those traveling through the Bhiwandi-Nashik corridor continue to brace for possible delays, hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing road congestion.
