In a significant move to ease the annual festive rush on the Mumbai–Goa Highway during Ganeshotsav, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has approved ₹21.90 crore for completing bypass works between Kolad and Mangaon. He also announced the creation of a dedicated helpline for pothole complaints, with a directive that every reported issue must be resolved within 24 hours.
High-Level Meeting at Sahyadri Guest House
The directives were issued during a high-level meeting at Sahyadri Guest House, chaired by Pawar and initiated by NCP State President and Raigad MP Sunil Tatkare. Senior state and regional officials, Public Works Minister Shivrendra Sinhraje Bhosale, Women & Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, and representatives of the Mumbai–Goa Highway Jan Aakrosh Committee attended the meeting.
Ganeshotsav Travel Concerns Raised
Ganeshotsav, beginning on August 27, draws lakhs of devotees and natives back to the Konkan region each year, causing heavy congestion on the busy highway. MP Tatkare highlighted that incomplete bypass and tunnel works between Kolad and Mangaon have worsened traffic conditions. He also referred to the August 10 agitation at Palaspe Phata, Panvel, launched by the Jan Aakrosh Committee to demand immediate action.
Funds Released and Monitoring Committee Formed
In response, Pawar sanctioned funds for bypass completion and instructed that the pending works be prioritised to ensure smoother travel during the festival period. He further directed the formation of a monitoring committee under the Public Works Minister to oversee all projects until completion.
Dedicated Helpline for Pothole Complaints
Pawar emphasised that timely road maintenance is crucial for the lakhs of travellers visiting Konkan for Ganeshotsav. “A dedicated helpline will be launched so that pothole complaints can be registered easily. Every complaint must be attended to within the next 24 hours,” he said, underlining the need for swift redressal to minimise commuter inconvenience.
Commitment to Festive Traffic Management
The meeting concluded with a commitment from state authorities to expedite road repairs, complete bypass works, and ensure efficient traffic management before the festive season begins.
