Raigad: Public Works Minister Shivendra Bhosale has directed all concerned agencies to work in close coordination to ensure smooth, safe and congestion-free traffic on the Mumbai-Goa Highway during the 10-day Ganeshotsav period.

A review meeting on the ongoing highway works and traffic management was held at the Government Rest House in Mahad under Bhosale’s chairmanship. The minister reviewed the current status of road works, traffic arrangements, safety measures and facilities to be provided to motorists and devotees travelling to Konkan during the festival.

Ensure smooth movement on Nagothane flyover

Bhosale directed officials to take immediate measures to ensure uninterrupted movement of light vehicles on the Nagothane flyover during Ganeshotsav.

He instructed officials to closely monitor traffic on the flyover throughout the 10-day festival and take prompt corrective measures based on the ground situation. A daily report on traffic management during the period has also been sought.

Complete Mangaon, Indapur bypasses on time

Reviewing works on the Panvel-Indapur and Indapur-Zarap stretches, Bhosale directed officials to ensure that the Mangaon and Indapur bypass projects are completed within the stipulated deadlines.

He stressed that quality of construction must not be compromised and that adequate supervision should be maintained at every stage. Officials were also asked to ensure that ongoing construction does not cause unnecessary inconvenience to residents or adversely affect traffic movement.

Temporary facilities for motorists

With a large number of devotees and vehicles expected to travel towards Konkan during the festival, Bhosale directed authorities to identify strategic locations and establish temporary passenger assistance centres along the highway.

The centres should provide essential facilities, including drinking water, electricity, cleanliness and medical assistance. Adequate mobile toilets should also be deployed at suitable locations for the convenience of travellers.

Identify alternate routes

Officials were asked to identify and assess possible alternative routes to manage the increased traffic load and prevent congestion on the highway. Internal roads that may be required as alternate routes should be repaired and kept in motorable condition.

“All necessary works and arrangements should be completed in advance so that devotees and motorists do not face difficulties at the last moment,” Bhosale said.

Follow-up with Gadkari on toll waiver

Bhosale also said he would directly approach Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and pursue the demand for a toll waiver during Ganeshotsav, keeping in mind the large number of devotees travelling to Konkan.

He directed all departments concerned with roads, traffic, safety and passenger amenities to work with coordination and accountability to ensure hassle-free travel throughout the festival.

Raigad Guardian Minister Bharat Gogawale, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, MLC Aniket Tatkare, District Collector Kishan Jawale, Superintendent of Police Anchal Dalal, Secretary (Roads) Sharad Rajbhoj, Secretary (National Highways) Shelar, Chief Engineer Rajaram Gosavi and senior officials from the Public Works and National Highways departments attended the meeting.