Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Milind Narvekar cited the recent 33-hour traffic jam on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway as a warning sign highlighting the need for better emergency planning.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader stressed the need for an urgent review of emergency arrangements on the Atal Setu. File Pic
Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Milind Narvekar has demanded the construction of a helipad and the creation of emergency facilities on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link - Atal Setu, which connects Mumbai with Raigad district in Maharashtra.
He cited the recent 33-hour traffic jam on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway as a warning sign highlighting the need for better emergency planning.
In a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Narvekar referred to the chaos caused after a tanker carrying highly flammable propylene gas overturned in the Khandala Ghat section earlier this week, reported the PTI.
The accident led to massive traffic congestion on the high-speed expressway between Mumbai and Pune.
Narvekar said that he himself was stuck in the traffic jam while travelling to Pune to meet the family of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on January 28.
He said the incident underlined serious gaps in emergency preparedness on major transport routes.
Need for review of emergency arrangements
The MLC stressed the need for an urgent review of emergency arrangements on the Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).
He pointed out that travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai has been reduced to just 20 minutes because of the bridge, leading to a sharp rise in vehicle movement, according to the PTI.
Over 83 lakh vehicles used Atal Setu in one year
According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), more than 83 lakh vehicles have used the Atal Setu over the past year.
Narvekar said such heavy usage makes it essential to have a strong emergency response system in place.
Calling for immediate action, Narvekar said a detailed emergency plan should be prepared to deal with accidents or natural disasters.
“There should be an emergency plan and a helipad on the Atal Setu on an urgent basis,” he said, the news agency reported.
The Atal Setu, which connects Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, was opened to the public in January 2024. Of its total length of 21.8 km, 16.5 km stretches over the sea.
Earlier, an industrialist had said he was forced to take a helicopter to reach Pune after being stuck for eight hours in the traffic jam on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
(with PTI inputs)
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