Thane Women Block Road for 3 Hours Over Highway Delay

Women from the Nadgaon area in Thane staged a three-hour road block protest on Tuesday, August 25, against the prolonged delay in the construction of the Shahapur-Murbad-Patgaon-Khopoli highway. The protest, which marked the occasion of Mangala Gaur, saw women performing traditional games on the damaged stretch of the road to highlight their grievances against the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

The women questioned why the highway project had remained incomplete for eight years and whether elected representatives, including local MLAs and MPs, were aware of the difficulties faced by residents. The Shahapur-Murbad-Patgaon-Khopoli highway project, undertaken under the MSRDC, was started in 2018 but has remained incomplete for years.

Large potholes, unfinished stretches, dust, and mud have made commuting difficult for residents, who alleged that repeated representations and protests had failed to bring any concrete solution. Thousands of students, workers, farmers, traders, and patients from Shahapur taluka use the highway every day. The women said the poor condition of the road has increased the risk of accidents and caused damage to vehicles.

Students often struggle to reach schools and colleges on time, while patients, senior citizens, and pregnant women face difficulties while traveling to hospitals. The protesters demanded that the pending highway work be resumed and completed immediately, potholes be filled, and traffic-related problems be addressed on priority.

They said they had earlier submitted memoranda to the administration and warned of agitation, but their demands were allegedly not taken seriously. The protest was eventually called off after Naib Tehsildar Sadanand Ghute and Police Inspector Vilas Kadam handed a written communication to the protesters on behalf of the administration.

Chandrakala Durge, who led the agitation, warned that the protest would be intensified if work on the road was not started within the stipulated timeframe. The agitation received strong support from women and residents of several villages, including Nadgaon, Bhatpada, Sakharpada, Shirgaon, Lenad, Donghar, Neharoli, and Shendrun.

The protest highlights the growing frustration among residents over the delay in the completion of the highway project. The MSRDC has faced criticism for its handling of the project, and the protesters are demanding immediate action to address their concerns. The administration's assurance to take action has provided temporary relief, but the protesters are determined to continue their agitation until their demands are met.

The completion of the Shahapur-Murbad-Patgaon-Khopoli highway project is crucial for the residents of Thane, who rely on the highway for their daily commute. The project's delay has caused significant inconvenience and hardship, and it is essential that the authorities take immediate action to address the concerns of the residents.

In conclusion, the protest by the women of Nadgaon has brought attention to the long-pending issue of the Shahapur-Murbad-Patgaon-Khopoli highway project. The administration's response to the protest will be closely watched, and it is hoped that the project will be completed soon to provide relief to the residents of Thane.