MUMBAI (Maharashtra): The Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway (NH-48) has been plagued by severe traffic congestion for the fifth consecutive day, leaving thousands of commuters, truck drivers, and schoolchildren stranded for hours amid mounting frustration.
The gridlock stretches several kilometres near Vasai and Palghar, reportedly caused by ongoing road repair work and heavy vehicle diversions. The disruption has exposed the highway’s chronic infrastructure issues, impacting daily commuters and emergency services.
Commuters and students face severe hardships
The traffic jam has created major difficulties for residents and travellers. Ambulances were stuck in long queues, passengers missed flights and trains, and local residents faced hours-long delays.
A particularly concerning incident involved 12 school buses carrying students from classes 5 to 10, as well as college students from Thane and Mumbai, returning from a school picnic near Virar. The students were trapped in the jam from around 5:30 pm on Tuesday until early Wednesday morning, with many spending several hours without food or water.
Members of local social organisations provided water, biscuits, and assistance to stranded commuters, while concerned parents anxiously awaited updates on their children.
“The students were crying due to hunger and exhaustion. It was heartbreaking to see them suffer because of the poor traffic management,” an activist told PTI.
NH-48: A vital yet congested economic lifeline
NH-48 connects Mumbai, Thane, and Pune and is a critical route linking Maharashtra and Gujarat. Despite rapid infrastructure development elsewhere in India, including expressways, tunnels, and metro projects, this key highway continues to face persistent congestion, frustrating daily commuters.
For residents of Vasai-Virar, NH-48 is often the only practical route to Mumbai. Alternative options, such as the Ro-Ro ferry service, are frequently overcrowded, with queues stretching to 100–125 vehicles, forcing commuters to add at least five extra hours to their journey.
Elderly residents and those unable to use train services remain particularly vulnerable to the extended traffic delays, which disrupt work, schooling, and emergency services.
Authorities urged to improve traffic management
The prolonged congestion has sparked criticism of traffic management and planning authorities. Activists and commuters have called for better coordination during repair work, clear diversion routes, and timely updates to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
As NH-48 serves as a major commercial artery, its effective management is essential not only for commuter safety but also for sustaining the flow of goods and economic activity between Maharashtra and Gujarat.