The directives were issued by Shinde on Sunday morning, following a survey of the affected stretches of the highways after several assurances of a smooth and pothole-free ride on the roads in the district have failed to live up to its expectations.
It may be noted Shinde had set up a task force last week while Union minister MP Kapil Patil also directed the Thane administration, Saturday, to immediately resolve the issue.
“Few fatal mishaps have been reported on city highways here. I have now instructed the district administration to immediately fill up the potholes at the earliest using the latest technology including mastic and also plug all accident prone spots like illegal cuts in the divider. We are also working on constructing temporary truck bays along the highways which can be used for parking the heavy vehicles when there is congestion on the stretch so that priority can be given to domestic and city motorists,” said Shinde.
Shinde also instructed the traffic authorities to ensure heavy traffic movement is regulated and restricted on the left side of the roads so that private vehicles and ambulances can easily access the other available lanes especially during emergencies. A team of traffic wardens will also be deployed on the affected stretches. In addition, service roads will also be developed.
It may be noted that Thane and neighbouring areas witnessed heavy rains in the last few days which left the roads especially the Nashik highway and Ghodbunder road battered leading to massive inconvenience for motorists who had to endure a back breaking travel and extended travel time.
Meanwhile, activists and politicians lashed out at the state government questioning the poor condition of the roads.
Nationalist Congress Party wanted to know what action had been taken so far against officials. Isn’t it too late, the party asked in connection with the CM’s visit? Spokesperson Clyde Crasto said, “The chief minister had promised that the roads would be pothole-free and had assured action against erring officials before the monsoon.”
(With inputs from agencies)
