Commuters using the Kalwa-Murbad road will have to face a lot of trouble for the next three weeks. As the Shahad bridge will be closed for general traffic for 21 days from November 3. This decision has been taken for urgent repair and asphalting of the bridge.
Since this is an important bridge connecting Kalwa, Murbad, Alephata (Nashik-Pune highway), Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) and nearby villages, general traffic will remain closed. Only emergency services ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles, oxygen tankers and green corridors will be allowed.
Earlier, too, between September 28 and October 15, 15 days of repair work had been done. At that time, NHAI had done the work of replacing the bridge bearings, strengthening the joints and filling the potholes. But due to water leakage on the railway track under the bridge and the poor condition of the road, it became necessary to repair it again.
Citizens' displeasure
Daily commuters have expressed their displeasure over the repairs. Shahad bridge is the only direct link between Kalwa and Murbad. This will cause a lot of trouble for students and workers,” said Vimal Thakkar from Kalwa West. While Vinod Mishra from Kalwa East said, “If you want long-term improvement, you have to endure some trouble.”
Fear of traffic jam
The traffic police have diverted vehicles to Baroda, Neyvali Naka, Katai Naka and Shil-Kalwa road. However, these routes are already under pressure due to metro work, rough surface and narrow roads. Therefore, the Thane traffic police have banned heavy vehicles from entering alternate roads during peak hours (6 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 10 pm).