Massive Traffic Jam Disrupts Mumbai-Pune Expressway Ahead of Road Safety Week Launch
In Navi Mumbai, a significant traffic jam occurred on the Pune-bound carriageway of the Mumbai-Pune expressway on Thursday, just one day before the commencement of road safety week celebrations. The congestion stretched approximately 3.5 kilometers between Datta Wadi and Dasturi on the Borghat section, causing major disruptions for commuters.
Frustration Among Commuters as Traffic Snarls Extend
Many motorists caught in the extensive traffic snarl expressed their displeasure and frustration over the delays. The jam created a challenging situation for those traveling towards Pune, with vehicles backed up for hours.
Highway Patrol Implements Strategic Blocks to Manage Congestion
To address the vehicle pile-ups, the highway safety patrol team executed three controlled blocks at specific intervals:
- Between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM
- From 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
- During 12:00 noon to 12:30 PM
This tactical approach involved a team led by Assistant Police Inspector Swapnil Patil, consisting of three officers and fifteen constables, who were deployed to manage the traffic flow effectively.
Traffic Management Strategy Restores Normalcy
According to API Swapnil Patil, the strategy involved temporarily halting vehicular movement on the Mumbai-bound carriageway between Datta Wadi and Dasturi. This allowed the Pune-bound carriageway stretch to be utilized more efficiently, facilitating the clearance of congestion.
Patil stated, "By stopping traffic on the Mumbai-bound side and reallocating the carriageway for Pune-bound motorists, we were able to bring the traffic movement back to normal by the afternoon."
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of traffic management on busy expressways and underscores the importance of proactive measures during events like road safety week.
