Mumbai: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has called for coordinated efforts between the district administration and the National Highway Authority to address pothole issues on the Mumbai-Goa and Mumbai-Nashik highways. With Ganeshotsav approaching, Shinde emphasized the need to ensure both highways are free of potholes and have well-maintained bypasses and service roads.

At a meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House, Chief Minister Shinde directed that the Mumbai-Goa and Mumbai-Nashik highways be thoroughly inspected and repaired before the festival. He announced that he will personally visit the sites after August 10 to review the progress.

Attendees of the meeting included School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, Ports, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Sanjay Bansode, MLA Kishore Darade, Bharat Gogawale, former MP Brigadier Sudhir Sawant, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister IS Chahal, Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department Manisha Mhaiskar, Chief Engineer of the National Highway Authority Shri Srivastava, and other officials.

He highlighted the importance of a smooth and safe journey for the thousands traveling to Konkan during Ganeshotsav. He instructed that heavy traffic be diverted to alternative routes and that the Mumbai-Goa highway be widened where possible. Reflectors and safety nets, similar to those on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, should be installed, especially at Parshuram Ghat.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need for medical aid rooms and vehicle repair facilities every 10 km along the highway for the convenience of Ganesh devotees. Additionally, he directed the police administration to manage traffic congestion effectively in Mangaon and Indapur during the festival.

Regarding the Mumbai-Nashik highway, Shinde emphasized the need for better management of heavy vehicle parking in Bhiwandi and addressing potholes. He urged the National Highway Authority and local administration to work together to alleviate traffic jams and appointed a senior officer to oversee the quality and timeliness of the work in Thane district.

The meeting also covered measures to reduce traffic congestion on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway.