Nashik, 11 August: Motorists and daily commuters travelling between Mumbai and Nashik have raised serious safety concerns after several stretches of the Mumbai–Nashik Highway developed deep potholes during the ongoing monsoon season, sources reported. The problem has worsened at locations such as Koshimbi in Shahapur, where commuters said road surface damage is severe.
Fatalities and mounting commuter anxiety
Local commuters say the pockmarked surface has become a hazard, particularly during night travel and in heavy rain when potholes are obscured. Media reports said six people have died in accidents on the Mumbai–Nashik Highway so far this monsoon season. The deaths have intensified calls for urgent road repairs from residents who will travel for the upcoming Ganeshotsav, which is about a month away.
"With Ganeshotsav just a month away, commuters who frequently travel from the city towards their hometowns have raised serious concerns over the poor condition of the Mumbai–Nashik and Mumbai–Goa Highways." — reported by mid-day
Commuter complaints and festival travel pressure
Residents and regular travellers say the highway surface has multiple patches that collect water, increasing the risk of skidding and vehicle damage. The issue is especially acute at ghat sections and approaches where drainage and surface wear combine with heavy monsoon flows. Commuters warned that the frequency of long-distance travel will increase as families plan returns for Ganeshotsav, adding pressure on already strained road infrastructure.
- Primary concerns: Large potholes, pooled rainwater, reduced night visibility.
- High-risk stretches: Koshimbi in Shahapur and multiple sections across the Mumbai–Nashik corridor (as reported by commuters).
- Immediate impact: Six fatalities reported this monsoon; increased risk of accidents ahead of festival travel.
Authority response and repair timelines
As of reporting, neither Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) nor the neighbouring municipal authorities had issued a formal timeline for permanent repairs on the affected stretches. Road maintenance in monsoon months often depends on weather windows for asphalt-laying and patching, a constraint that civic engineers routinely cite. Temporary repair measures — such as pothole filling and deployment of warning signage — can be carried out quickly, but lasting resurfacing usually awaits a dry spell.
Commuters and local resident associations have urged highway authorities and the district administration to prioritise the Mumbai–Nashik route given its heavy usage and strategic importance for intercity travel. Traders and transport operators have also expressed concern about potential disruptions to goods movement if conditions worsen closer to the festival period.
| Issue | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Mumbai–Nashik Highway; Koshimbi (Shahapur) highlighted by commuters |
| Casualties | Six deaths reported during current monsoon |
| Festival timeline | Ganeshotsav about one month away |
Local civic and traffic police sources routinely advise motorists to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances and avoid night travel on damaged stretches where possible. Road-users also stressed the need for improved signage and temporary speed restrictions until permanent repairs are completed.
With the festival season set to increase intercity movement, authorities face pressure to deliver rapid temporary fixes and a concrete plan for durable resurfacing once weather permits. Commuters and resident groups said they will continue to press municipal and state-level road agencies for immediate action to prevent further accidents and fatalities on this key arterial link.
