Repairs of Mumbai-Nashik road in 8 days: Minister

Balasaheb Thorat, who travels on this road regularly, said he had to walk two kilometres. File pic/Pradeep Dhivar

Considering the harsh criticism of the state government over neglect of repairs of the potholed Mumbai-Nashik highway where traffic snarls had hit commuters including politicians, the minister concerned has promised the legislature of easing the situation in a week's time.

Minister in-charge of MSRDC, Dada Bhuse told the Assembly on Tuesday that 100 wardens will be put in service to man traffic on the highway, the number of flying squads increased and potholes filled in eight days. Traffic jams occur on this road because of ongoing 8-lane expansion work on a 21-km stretch between Wadpe and Thane, he said, adding that the work will be completed by August 2024.

Congress legislative party leader Balasaheb Thorat, who travels on this road regularly, said he had to walk two kilometers. "I reached a party worker's residence from where I saw three ambulances plying on the jammed highway. Just imagine the trouble the common people are subjected to because of traffic jams," said Thorat.

Bhiwandi MLA (SP) Rais Shaikh asked a senior minister, Chhagan Bhujbal, whose constituency falls in Nashik district, to verify the MSRDC minister's claims. He appealed to Bhujbal to lead him on the highway. To this, Bhujbal replied that he didn't use the road but travelled by railway to Nashik (Apparently to prevent delay. Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had taken a train to Nashik).

Speaker instructs: Speaker Rahul Narvekar told the house that the constitution had given everyone the right to wholesome living, and in view of this principle, the government should ensure an alternative (roads) before the infra projects (such as road widening) begins. "Taking information about such alternative arrangements is also the government's job," he said.

SIT probe in Mithi river work

Minister for Industries Uday Samant announced in the council that the desilting, widening and beautification of the Mithi river in the past 17 years will be probed by a special investigating team for irregularities and corruption. BJP member Prasad Lad had raised a question, saying R1,300 crore was spent on the work which is still incomplete. The BMC and MMRDA are the agencies undertaking the work, he said.

100
No of wardens who will man traffic