Damaged highways in Thane cause delays in goods supply ahead of festive season

THANE: The severely damaged portions of prominent highways and subsequent heavy congestion on these arterial roads, which have triggered knee-jerk traffic restrictions from authorities, are now raising concerns among transporters about potential delays in the supply of FMCG goods, electronics, and other essentials to Mumbai ahead of the festive season.Thane sits at a crucial crossroads for freight moving between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Gujarat, JNPT, and North Maharashtra. However, a major portion of the highways here remains in poor condition, with potholes dominating major stretches. This situation leaves the outbound freight and city traffic to overlap on these stretches, slowing down and often resulting in snarls lasting hours. The recent restriction on heavy vehicle movement on the highways is worsening the situation, industry players lament.“The latest restrictions have slowed down the movement of goods from Bhiwandi’s massive warehousing hub. Trucks are stranded for hours on end, either stuck in traffic or parked along highways with no access to godowns due to damaged link roads. Every delayed delivery costs us. Drivers work overtime, fuel burns longer, and retailers down the chain suffer. We’re heading for a breakdown in supply if this continues,” said a transporter.

Transporter Bal Malkit Singh said the situation is manageable presently as many retailers rely on existing stock but feared that prolonged disruption and delays due to unattended damaged roads could result in shortages, just when demand is about to spike ahead of the festive season.Another transporter requesting anonymity said they were already reeling under the increased toll taxes paid on highways but end up suffering these delays due to unmanaged roads.Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajan Vichare came down heavily on the ruling govt. “They’ve failed miserably. Despite tall claims of high-tech repairs, they didn’t plan for monsoon damage. This is criminal negligence.”Deputy CM and Thane guardian minister Eknath Shinde claimed remedial instructions were issued. Thane Collector Ashok Panchal has now ordered civic bodies to identify damaged roads and begin immediate repairs. Officials have been told to keep materials and machinery on standby for rapid response.