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The Mumbai-Pune Highway, a crucial artery connecting the two major cities, has been plagued by flooding for over a week, causing significant traffic disruptions and posing challenges for motorists. The flooding is attributed to a choked storm water drain located in Khopoli, highlighting a critical infrastructure issue that has been exacerbated by the recent monsoon rains.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), responsible for maintaining the highway, is facing accusations of negligence for failing to clean the drain ahead of the monsoon season. This lack of preparedness has resulted in the drain becoming clogged, leading to the flooding that has crippled a 1km stretch of the Mumbai-bound carriageway. The flooding has forced vehicles to utilize the Pune-bound carriageway, resulting in severe traffic congestion.
The situation has been further compounded by vehicles breaking down in the floodwaters, adding to the motorists' woes. Local residents have expressed concerns about the highway's construction, alleging that the required height or elevation was not properly maintained, making it susceptible to flooding. This issue has been further exacerbated by the heavy rains, leading to the flooding of both carriageways.
The MSRDC has taken a step towards addressing the problem by serving a notice to a builder demanding the cleaning of the drain. However, activists have criticized both the MSRDC and the Khopoli municipal council for their slow response to the problem and their perceived lack of urgency in resolving the issue. The persistent flooding on the highway underscores the need for proactive infrastructure maintenance and effective collaboration between government agencies and local authorities to ensure the smooth functioning of critical transport routes.
Source: Mumbai-Pune Highway: 1km Stretch Of Mumbai-pune H’way Flooded For Over Week