Malshej Ghat Road Closed To Heavy Vehicles After Cave-In

A major disruption has occurred on the Kalyan–Ahilyanagar National Highway (NH-61) after a portion of the road caved in near Karanjale village in Thane district. The incident has prompted authorities to temporarily prohibit the movement of heavy vehicles through the Malshej Ghat stretch.

The damaged stretch, which is approximately 50-100 metres long, has been closed for safety reasons. The National Highway Sub-Division, Murbad, has issued an advisory, and traffic is being allowed on the remaining lane under strict regulation. However, officials have warned that the operational lane also remains vulnerable due to ongoing rainfall and unstable ground conditions.

According to highway officials, the affected section was constructed in 2023. A preliminary assessment suggests that the incident was triggered by the weakening of the foundation of a gabion retaining wall, coupled with hill cutting and land levelling carried out on an adjoining private agricultural plot. Continuous heavy rainfall further aggravated the situation, causing the road foundation to collapse.

As a precaution, authorities have closed one carriageway of the highway, and traffic police have been directed to halt the movement of all heavy vehicles, including trucks, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses, tempos, and other goods carriers. Heavy vehicles travelling between Ahilyanagar and Kalyan have been diverted through the Panvel route until further notice.

Light motor vehicles are being allowed to pass through the affected stretch with caution, subject to traffic regulation and weather conditions. Repair and stabilisation work will be undertaken once weather conditions permit, but continuous rainfall has made restoration efforts challenging. Engineers are closely monitoring the damaged section to prevent any further deterioration and ensure commuter safety.

The highway authority has appealed to motorists, particularly operators of heavy commercial vehicles, to strictly follow the diversion plan and cooperate with the administration. Commuters have also been advised to check traffic updates before undertaking journeys through the Malshej Ghat section, as restrictions may continue depending on rainfall intensity and the stability of the damaged road.

The precautionary restrictions have been imposed solely in the interest of public safety. Authorities are working to restore the road to its normal condition as soon as possible. In the meantime, commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and follow the diversion route to avoid any inconvenience.

The incident highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring road infrastructure, especially during the monsoon season. The authorities' swift response to the situation has helped prevent any major accidents or disruptions, and their efforts to restore the road will be closely watched by commuters.

In conclusion, the closure of the Malshej Ghat road to heavy vehicles is a necessary precaution to ensure public safety. Commuters are advised to follow the diversion route and check traffic updates regularly to avoid any inconvenience. The authorities' efforts to restore the road will be crucial in minimizing disruptions to traffic and ensuring the safety of commuters.

The incident also underscores the need for regular maintenance and monitoring of road infrastructure, especially in areas prone to landslides and subsidence. The authorities must take proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure that the road network remains safe and functional.

Overall, the situation is being closely monitored, and the authorities are working to restore the road to its normal condition as soon as possible. Commuters are advised to stay updated with the latest traffic information and plan their journeys accordingly.