17 September,2026 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Potholes and uneven patches on the Fountain Hotel-Gaimukh stretch of Ghodbunder Road. pics/by special arrangement
The Fountain Hotel-Gaimukh stretch of Ghodbunder Road has become a rough ride for motorists, with potholes and uneven surfaces slowing traffic and adding to safety concerns, particularly for two-wheeler riders.
The problem is more pronounced near the uphill section at Gaimukh, where heavy vehicles have to slow down on the damaged surface. During peak hours, this adds to congestion on a road that carries heavy traffic between Thane, Mira-Bhayandar and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway. A recent visit by mid-day found potholes and uneven patches at several points along the stretch.
Girish Jaysing Arekar, council member, Indian Roads Congress, said potholes and uneven surfaces can result from shortcomings at several stages of road construction, beginning with the design. "Soil has to be assessed to determine thickness and composition of base layers. The design must also take into account the volume of traffic and the axle loads of heavy vehicles using the road. If these factors are assessed and the design followed during construction, potholes shouldn't develop so quickly. Also, road layers have to be compacted correctly. If the process is rushed or not done properly, the road can deteriorate once heavy traffic starts. Additionally, if vehicles are allowed onto the road too soon because of traffic pressure, the surface can get damaged," Arekar said.
Ghodbunder Road is an important arterial route connecting Thane with Mira-Bhayandar and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region. It also carries heavy vehicles travelling between the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and JNPT. The road forms part of a larger corridor that has long faced traffic and maintenance issues. The Gaimukh-to-Ahmedabad Highway section was transferred from the state PWD to MBMC for upgradation in 2024.
MBMC has scheduled repair work on the Fountain Hotel-Gaimukh stretch soon, with traffic restrictions expected between 10 am and 6 pm to facilitate the work. The civic body has cited deterioration caused by monsoon-related waterlogging and traffic congestion. It has also said pothole repairs, grading, and concreting work have already been carried out at some locations, while other portions still require attention.
Ratnakar Sawant, motorist
âThe road between Fountain Hotel and Gaimukh is in really bad shape. There are potholes and uneven patches almost throughout the stretch, and during peak hours, vehicles have to slow down or suddenly change lanes to avoid them. It is especially risky for two-wheeler riders, who have to be extra careful while negotiating these potholes.'
Manasi Pawar, motorist
âTravelling on the stretch between Fountain Hotel and Gaimukh has become a horrific experience. It took me around 60 to 90 minutes to cover just 12 km because of the potholes and uneven road surface. This is an arterial road used by thousands of motorists every day, yet its condition is so poor. I hope the authorities take serious note of the situation and repair the road properly instead of carrying out temporary patchwork.'
