Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inspects Palaspe Phata Road in Panvel, Mumbai on Monday. (Ministry of Public Transport)
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde: “We have implemented four advanced technologies specifically for repairing potholes and other damaged sections of highways… to reduce inconvenience for people traveling to villages in coastal areas of Ganesh Chaturthi.”
Amid growing concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Mumbai-Goa highway, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday conducted a detailed inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation work in Raigad area.
A week before the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, Shinde was accompanied by a team of officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and the Public Works Department (PWD). The inspection comes in the wake of sharp criticism from Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam, who recently said that in view of the poor condition of the highways, Public Transport Minister Ravindra Chavan (Ravindra Chavan) “Useless”.
Shinde addressed the media at the scene and reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring road safety. “We have implemented four advanced technologies specifically designed to repair potholes and other damaged sections of highways,” Shinde announced. “This measure is aimed at reducing inconvenience for people traveling to villages in coastal areas to attend Ganesh Chaturthi events.”
Inspections revealed that while significant progress has been made in some areas, especially the road from Ratnagiri to Goa which is now fully operational, several stretches in Raigad remain a cause for concern. The CM assured that the team has conducted a comprehensive study on these issues and developed effective solutions, which are currently being implemented.
He stressed that contractors responsible for substandard road repairs would face stern action. “Any contractor found to be delivering low-quality work will be held accountable. We cannot compromise on the safety of our people.
Several residents of Mumbai who planned to attend Ganesh Chaturthi events at their ancestral homes in Konkan district have expressed disappointment over the ongoing road construction. A Dapoli resident said: “The festive season is approaching but the road conditions are not satisfactory. Year after year we see minimal progress and it is the common people who suffer the most.
Bus operators on the Mumbai-Goa route have also sounded the alarm over the potential risk of accidents and delays caused by incomplete stretches, especially during festive seasons when traffic surges.
