Where is the road?
- Sanjay Rajguru
- 21 Sep, 2026
Ambernath: Pothole-ridden roads in Morivali, Vadol and Chikhloli MIDC areas of Ambernath West continue to trouble truck drivers, commuters, factory workers and residents, while the municipal corporation and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) remain locked in a dispute over responsibility for road maintenance.
Truck and tempo drivers say the damaged roads are causing frequent vehicle breakdowns and financial losses. Mohan Kushwaha, a truck driver who has been visiting the area for the past 7–8 years, said, “I have been visiting the area for the past 7–8 years and have never seen such terrible road conditions in any other MIDC across Maharashtra. We have raised this issue consistently, but no action is taken.”
The deteriorated roads have also made daily travel hazardous for workers and business owners arriving from different parts of Maharashtra and other states. Poor visibility at night, coupled with inadequate street lighting, has further increased the risk of accidents.
Sopan Patil, a driver from Satara, said, “We visit the MIDC area only for work purposes; quite often, we are not aware of the next turn or how deep the pothole is. This increases the chances of an accident even more.”
Officials Shift Blame
MIDC Engineer S. S. Nanaware said roads and other civic amenities in the area were transferred to the municipal council in 2002. According to him, responsibility for their maintenance lies with the Municipal Council and MMRDA.
However, Ambernath Municipal Council Public Works Department Engineer Rajesh Tadvi said, “The core planning responsibility for this area rests with the MIDC. However, they have requested a fund of Rs 70 crore from the MIDC administration for repairing roads in Morivali, Vadol, and Chikhloli, adding that work will begin once the funds are sanctioned.”
With both agencies pointing to the other, road repairs remain delayed. Meanwhile, commuters and transport operators continue to navigate dangerous roads, raising questions over coordination and accountability.
ROAD CRISIS
Morivali • Vadol • Chikhloli MIDC
Rs 70 crore — Funds sought for road repairs
2002 — Civic amenities reportedly transferred to the municipal council
7–8 years — Driver says conditions have remained a major concern
Key issue: Potholes + poor lighting + administrative blame game
