To tackle the persistent road damage and traffic congestion in Thane, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has announced the use of rapid-setting concrete on severely damaged stretches, particularly between Kajupada, Chena village and Gaimukh Ghat.
In an official statement issued Tuesday, the civic body said this swift intervention is aimed at ensuring monsoon-resistant repairs for smoother traffic flow and enhanced commuter safety. The directive came from Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao following repeated complaints about potholes and eroding road bases.
The road from Fountain Hotel to Gaimukh Ghat, despite regular gravel and bitumen grouting, continues to deteriorate, resulting in long traffic snarls and instances of vehicles driving in the wrong direction to bypass damaged patches. These disruptions have had a cascading effect, with traffic gridlock extending to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, Chinchoti and Mira Road, especially during peak hours.
At a meeting chaired by Commissioner Rao, DCP (Traffic) Pankaj Shirsat underscored the traffic impact of the road’s poor condition. MBMC officials added that due to a weakened base, traditional repairs are proving ineffective.
City Engineer Prashant Sonagra recommended the use of rapid-hardening concrete, which sets within hours, allowing for quicker, durable fixes without full road closures—a vital solution during the monsoon.
Rao instructed MBMC to conduct a four-hour trial repair on one lane using this method, in coordination with local police. If successful, the technique will be implemented across the Ghat area.
The meeting also addressed the delays in road merging work on Ghodbunder Road due to rainfall. MMRDA was directed to inspect and level transition gaps, while the Public Works Department (PWD) was ordered to complete pending repairs at Kasarvadavali, Owla Signal, and Kapurbawdi Flyover on priority.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from TMC, MBMC, MMRDA, PWD, and the Forest Department.
