Frustrated residents of Thane took to the streets with flaming torches on Saturday evening, staging a powerful demonstration along the hazardous Ghodbunder Road to demand immediate government action against dangerous road conditions that have claimed numerous lives.
Torchlight March Honors Accident Victims
The protest, organized by activist Ajay Jeya, saw local residents marching with burning torches from the Kasarvadavali signal to the Wagbil signal. At the culmination point, participants paid emotional tributes to those who have lost their lives in accidents on this treacherous stretch of road.
"Nearly 22 people lost their lives on this stretch," stated Jeya during the protest, expressing the community's growing frustration with authorities who have suggested commuters use public transport instead of addressing the fundamental infrastructure problems.
Residents Voice Anger Over Government Inaction
The demonstration highlighted escalating public anger over the deteriorating condition of this arterial road, with protesters questioning why proper road planning wasn't implemented before permitting numerous skyscrapers in the area. Jeya directly challenged authorities, asking "Why didn't government agencies plan proper roads before permitting skyscrapers? Isn't corruption involved here?"
Women carrying their children joined the protest, adding their voices to the condemnation of government agencies and the ongoing construction work that appears unplanned and creates additional safety hazards for commuters.
Multiple Road Hazards Identified
Residents detailed numerous dangerous conditions plaguing the busy route, including widespread potholes, uneven road surfaces, poorly designed service-road mergers, heavy vehicle congestion, and inadequate traffic management systems. The protesters accused civic authorities of negligence and abandoning their responsibility for public safety.
The marchers presented clear demands including urgent road repairs, better quality contractors, and comprehensive traffic management improvements. They emphasized that the ongoing construction work lacks proper planning and creates unnecessary safety risks for all road users.
The torch rally represents a significant escalation in community response to the dangerous road conditions, with residents determined to continue their fight until substantial improvements are made to ensure public safety on Ghodbunder Road.
