Mumbai Traffic Update: Struggle to Fix Severe Potholes on Dahisar Toll naka Continues

A 1.5-kilometre stretch of road near the Dahisar toll naka in suburban Mumbai has become a nightmare for commuters. It is because of the severe potholes caused by the rain. The road is used daily by residents of Vasai-Virar, Bhayandar, and Mira Road.

The responsibility for fixing the road falls upon four organisations: the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). This has left citizens unsure about where to file a complaint.

The MMRDA is responsible for completing the metro works in the area. They claim that road maintenance is now the responsibility of relevant organisations such as MBMC and BMC. In response, representatives from BMC and MBMC have confirmed that a portion of the road is under the control of MMRDA.

The plot near Dahisar toll naka is under the jurisdiction of MMRDA. Whereas the Penkar Pada section falls under MBMC.

MBMC has asked MMRDA to address the potholes in their portion of the road. However, this jurisdictional confusion has resulted in delays and finger-pointing between the organisations.

Amidst the chaos, MP Rajendra Gavit has taken up the matter with the NHAI, civic leaders, and the commissioner of police. While NHAI is responsible for a portion of the main highway, they have failed to fill in the potholes.

Complicating matters further, the service roads adjacent to the main highway are under the control of the MMRDA due to ongoing metro construction. This division of responsibility has created confusion among commuters, who are uncertain about whom to approach regarding the maintenance of the road.

 The NHAI's jurisdiction for the road ends at the Kashimira flypast, beyond which it falls under the responsibility of the MMRDA. In an attempt to resolve the issue, the Kashimira traffic division has written to MBMC, urging them to take prompt action in fixing the potholes. MBMC has assured swift action to address the problem.

Both MBMC and NHAI have been making efforts to fill the potholes. But coordination among the responsible organisations has been lacking.