Maharashtra News: Protests Erupt Over Potholes On Chinchoti-Kaman-Bhiwandi Road

Palghar, Maharashtra: Commuters on the Chinchoti-Kaman-Bhiwandi road are facing dangerous travel conditions due to the severely dilapidated state of the thoroughfare. In response, the Shramjeevi Sanghatana staged a Rasta Roko (road blockade) protest at Chinchoti on Thursday, bringing traffic to a standstill on both sides.

For many years, the Chinchoti-Kaman-Bhiwandi road, a crucial state highway connecting two districts, has been in a deplorable condition. The numerous potholes on the road have led to frequent accidents. With the onset of the monsoon, the situation has worsened significantly.

Potholes on this road are reportedly as deep as one and a half to two feet, causing immense difficulties for schoolchildren, laborers, and goods transporters. During the rainy season, these potholes fill with water, making them indistinguishable and leading to more accidents. The uneven surface has also caused heavy goods vehicles to overturn on several occasions.

Despite repeated complaints to the Public Works Department (PWD), proper remedial measures have not been implemented. Angered by the inaction, activists from the Shramjeevi Sanghatana began their " protest on Thursday morning, sitting on the road in front of Bhajanlal Dairy on the Chinchoti-Kaman-Bhiwandi route.

Protesters highlighted that driving on this road has become extremely hazardous, and numerous accidents have already occurred. They accused the administration of remaining unresponsive, noting that even the ongoing concreting work is not being done properly.

The Shramjeevi Sanghatana activists also accused the PWD of breaking its promise to repair the road before the monsoon season. They stated that residents and commuters continue to travel with their lives in their hands. The protesters demanded immediate road repairs and clearance of water drainage paths.

A large number of citizens joined the Shramjeevi Sanghatana activists in the protest. The blockade of this main arterial road caused severe traffic congestion. Police were deployed in large numbers to maintain strict security and prevent any untoward incidents.