Thane, October 5, 2024 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate several development projects in Thane today, a significant event that has caused major traffic disruptions. With the Prime Minister’s arrival, traffic has been diverted on the Western Express Highway, leading to a significant bottleneck.
Vehicles heading from the Ghodbunder Versova Bridge towards Thane have been halted. As a result, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway has experienced a massive traffic jam, with delays stretching back over four to five hours. Many drivers find themselves stuck in a gridlock, adding to the frustration of their commute.
In light of the situation, traffic police are urging drivers to venture out only if absolutely necessary. The diversion of vehicles heading towards Thane has caused heavy trucks and other vehicles to come to a standstill on the highway, leading to severe congestion on both lanes heading to Gujarat and Mumbai.
The ongoing traffic chaos has significantly impacted emergency services, including ambulances transporting patients to hospitals, as well as school children trying to reach their classes. Reports indicate that the congestion extends all the way from the Ghodbunder Versova Bridge to Vasai-Virar, making local travel a daunting challenge.
To alleviate the situation, traffic police have recommended using local trains whenever possible to reach destinations more efficiently. The need for effective traffic management during such a high-profile event is crucial; however, many drivers have been facing delays since early this morning due to insufficient planning by the authorities.
Local leader Sushant Patil, president of the Vasai’s Bhoomiputra Sangathan, expressed frustration over the lack of accountability, asking, “Who is responsible for this mess? Where do we lodge a complaint, and will there be any action taken if we do?”
As Thane prepares to welcome Prime Minister Modi, the city remains in a state of gridlock, prompting concerns over the effectiveness of traffic management during significant events. Residents and commuters hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing issues as they navigate the aftermath of this high-traffic day.
