Bhiwandi Women Protest Delayed Highway Work

Women from Bhiwandi have launched a protest against the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) due to the delay in the construction of the Shahapur-Murbad-Khopoli highway. The project, which began in 2018, has been plagued by delays, leaving commuters to navigate through pothole-ridden stretches and incomplete construction.

The women, who submitted a memorandum to the Shahapur tehsildar, alleged that the poor condition of the road has led to accidents, resulting in loss of lives and serious injuries. They claimed that students, workers, farmers, traders, patients, senior citizens, and pregnant women are among those facing difficulties while traveling along the route.

The protesters have demanded an immediate inspection of the highway and urgent filling of dangerous potholes. They have also sought a time-bound plan for completing the remaining construction work on a priority basis. Additionally, they have demanded compensation-related clarity for affected farmers and their involvement in discussions concerning the project.

The women have also sought restoration of public facilities, including the crematorium at Nadgaon, the well at Donghar, and the Vidhi Ghat located on a drain, which they claim have been affected by the ongoing work. They have demanded an inquiry into damage caused to public facilities and sought that responsibility be fixed on the concerned contractor and officials.

Gram Panchayat member Chandrakala Durge stated that the issue is not just about the condition of the road but also concerns the safety and well-being of residents and the proper utilization of public funds. She warned that if immediate action is not taken on their demands, women will stage a peaceful protest by sitting on the pothole-ridden highway.

The protest has been supported by several women from the area, including Sarpanch Kamal Rera, Vidya Durge, and Juhi Pawar, among others. They have urged the authorities to address the pending construction and safety concerns before the condition of the highway leads to further inconvenience for residents and commuters.

The Shahapur-Murbad-Khopoli highway is a crucial route that connects several towns and villages in the region. The delay in its construction has caused significant inconvenience to commuters, and the women's protest is a desperate attempt to bring attention to the issue.

The MSRDC has been criticized for its handling of the project, and the women's protest is likely to put pressure on the authorities to take immediate action. The protest is scheduled to take place on the day of Mangala Gauri, and the women have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met.

The incident highlights the struggles faced by commuters in the region and the need for urgent attention to the highway's construction. The women's protest is a testament to their determination to bring about change and ensure the safety and well-being of their community.

In conclusion, the delay in the construction of the Shahapur-Murbad-Khopoli highway has caused significant inconvenience to commuters, and the women's protest is a desperate attempt to bring attention to the issue. The authorities must take immediate action to address the pending construction and safety concerns to prevent further accidents and ensure the safety and well-being of residents and commuters.