Traffic nightmare on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway NH-48 enters fifth day; thousands stuck for hours

Mumbai: Traffic congestion on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway (NH-48) in Maharashtra’s Palghar district has stretched into its fifth consecutive day, leaving thousands of commuters and truck drivers stranded for hours. The gridlock has caused widespread distress, with ambulances trapped in long queues and several passengers missing flights and trains, underscoring the chronic infrastructural woes plaguing this vital corridor.

Officials said the traffic jam was triggered by the diversion of heavy vehicles due to ongoing repair work on the Ghodbunder highway in Thane, which redirected a heavy load of vehicles onto the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route.

NH-48: A crucial link between Maharashtra and Gujarat

Connecting Maharashtra and Gujarat, NH-48 functions as a key economic lifeline, passing through Mumbai, Thane, and Pune. While other parts of the state are witnessing the completion of new expressways, tunnels, and metro projects, this essential route continues to test the patience of regular commuters.

For residents of Vasai-Virar, NH-48 remains the only practical option to reach Mumbai. Alternative transport modes, including the Ro-Ro ferry service, often face overcrowding, with queues stretching up to 125 vehicles. Commuters are compelled to budget an extra five hours for their journeys. Elderly travellers, many of whom cannot rely on local train services, are especially affected and depend entirely on this route.

Students caught in overnight traffic gridlock

On Tuesday evening, twelve buses carrying students from Classes 5 to 10, along with several college students from Mumbai and Thane, were trapped in the gridlock near Vasai for hours. The vehicles were stuck from around 5.30 pm on Tuesday until early Wednesday morning, according to officials.

The children, who were returning from a school picnic near Virar, had to remain without food or water for several hours.

The massive congestion on Tuesday evening left vehicles barely inching forward for hours.

As night fell, the situation worsened, with exhausted and anxious students waiting helplessly inside the buses while worried parents sought updates on their safety.

Locals step in to help

Members of a local social organisation rushed to the site. They distributed water and biscuits to the stranded children and helped drivers manoeuvre buses through the congested lanes.

(with inputs from PTI)