Four heavy vehicles overturned within 10 days on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad highway stretch between Versova and Palghar, bringing renewed attention to road safety and recurring traffic disruption on one of the region’s busiest routes, according to a report by Loksatta – Vasai-Virar.
The incidents have been reported along the highway passing through the Vasai area, where thousands of vehicles travel daily. The report attributes the accidents to a combination of uneven road surfaces, damaged concrete panels and speeding by some heavy-vehicle drivers. Residents have raised concerns about the condition of the carriageway and the time taken to clear vehicles after crashes or breakdowns.
Several panels laid during white-topping, or concrete road treatment, have reportedly deteriorated, leaving sections of the highway uneven and creating changes in road level. According to the report, these conditions can make it harder for fast-moving heavy vehicles to remain under control. It also cites speeding and loss of control by some drivers as another factor linked to the rollovers.
The reported accidents have also affected traffic movement. When a crashed or disabled vehicle remains on the highway, it can take between three and four hours to remove it, the report said. During that period, traffic queues can extend for six to seven kilometres, causing significant delays for commuters and goods vehicles using the route.
The clearance delay has implications beyond routine congestion. Residents told Loksatta – Vasai-Virar that ambulances can also become trapped in the resulting traffic, creating a potential risk for patients who need urgent medical care. The concern is especially significant on a corridor where a single obstruction can affect traffic across a long stretch.
Ashish Kadam, described in the report as a concerned citizen, said the Mumbai–Ahmedabad highway needed an effective mechanism to move accident-damaged or stalled vehicles immediately. He said congestion on the highway affects ordinary commuters and can place patients at risk when ambulances are delayed.
The report does not identify any new official road-repair schedule, emergency-clearance protocol or enforcement measure announced in response to the four incidents. It highlights the need for rapid removal of disabled vehicles and continued attention to the condition of the white-topped sections. Further action by the agencies responsible for road maintenance, traffic management and incident clearance will determine whether the reported disruption is reduced.