End Mumbai-Nashik highway traffic woes, says Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar; warns of suspending erring officials

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday directed the administration to suspend the concerned official if traffic flow on the MumbaiNashik highway does not get smooth in 10 days reported news agency PTIHe also asked authorities to submit a proposal to halt toll collection on the MumbaiNashik highway until potholes are filled and the stretch is repairedOfficers should inspect traffic congestion spots with public representatives and prepare traffic management plan They must regularly monitor traffic with drones for efficient management Directives have been given to substantially reduce traffic congestion caused due to potholes underpasses and flyover works on the MumbaiNashik highway he said reported PTINo new work must be permitted without providing alternative concrete roads equivalent to the original road Pawar said and directed that all possible measures be implemented on a priority basisThe Maharashtra Government will provide all necessary assistance However if the traffic on this highway is not smooth within the next 10 days the responsible officer will be suspended Ajit Pawar instructed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department on Thursday reported PTIA meeting regarding the improvement of the MumbaiNashik highway an important and major route connecting north Maharashtra to the state capital was held under the chairmanship of Pawar in his committee room at MantralayaCurrently flyover works are underway at several locations including Asangaon and Vashind and potholes have formed due to rains causing significant inconvenience to motorists which has increased travel time between Nashik and Mumbai to 810 hoursThis is a serious issue Immediate repairs are necessary to alleviate the situation Timely filling of potholes can save time by increasing vehicle speed However there has been negligence from the MumbaiNashik highway contractor Officers from the National Highway Authority of India NHAI and representatives should jointly inspect and prepare drone videos of the potholes and damaged roads Pawar said reported PTIUntil the potholes are filled and the MumbaiNashik highway is repaired the proposal to stop toll collection on this highway should be submitted Pawar said reported PTIHe said various works such as upgrades widening flyovers and underpasses have been ongoing on the MumbaiNashik highway for the past few years adding that responsibility of coordination to remove traffic congestion on the highway is being given to the PWD additional chief secretary reported PTIOfficials must coordinate with NHAI Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Public Works Department traffic police as well as municipal commissioners of Bhiwandi Kalyan and Nashik to implement measures within the next 10 days Pawar saidPointing out to traffic disruptions due to vehicles breaking down on the highway Pawar said traffic police must make available 40 tonne cranes to remove such vehicles speedilyThe NHAI and MSRDC should provide funds to the traffic police During peak hours drones should be used to monitor traffic congestion points Assistance of home guards should be taken for traffic control The wardens provided to the traffic police by MSRDC should be given uniforms The required funds will be provided by the planning committee the deputy CM said reported PTIWith inputs from PTI