Daijiworld Media Network – Thane

Thane, Sep 26: The Thane district administration has announced plans to work closely with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and other agencies to improve traffic flow and expedite infrastructure development along the vital Ghodbunder Highway.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Thane District Collector Shrikrishna Panchal highlighted that the administration’s top priority is the timely completion of ongoing infrastructure works to ensure smoother vehicle movement. He specifically mentioned that the restoration of service roads along the highway is a key focus.

Panchal addressed concerns over heavy vehicles encroaching into lanes near residential societies along the route, posing safety risks to local residents. He assured that measures would be taken to regulate traffic, including barricading heavy vehicles on extreme left lanes or installing height barriers to prevent unauthorized lane use.

The move is likely to appease residents, who had expressed concern over the large-scale cutting of mature trees during the highway widening project and the nearly Rs 600 crore spent on the exercise. Additionally, flaws in metro infrastructure, such as staircases landing in the middle of the highway, had drawn public criticism toward MMRDA.

Panchal also announced plans to construct dedicated parking bays near Vasai to prevent congestion caused by trucks, similar to the traffic jams experienced last week due to temporary heavy vehicle restrictions.

“The coordinated efforts between the Thane administration, MMRDA, and other agencies will significantly improve the commuting experience on Ghodbunder Highway,” Panchal said, signalling a focused approach to resolving longstanding traffic and infrastructure challenges on the busy roadway.