The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) has opposed a Thane BJP proposal to rename Ghodbunder Highway as “Veer Chimaji Appa Marg”, arguing that the accident-prone and chronically congested stretch should not be named after the revered Maratha warrior.
Controversy Erupts Over Renaming Proposal
The controversy erupted after Thane Deputy Mayor Krishna Patil moved a proposal before the Municipal General Body seeking to rename the highway in honour of the Maratha commander credited with defeating the Portuguese in the historic Vasai campaign. Patil has also written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde seeking state approval for the same.
BJP's Justification
Justifying the demand, Patil said the highway connecting Thane, Vasai and Virar shares a strong historical association with Chimaji Appa’s military exploits and that naming the road after him would be a fitting tribute to one of Maharashtra’s greatest warriors.
NCP (SP) Raises Concerns
However, NCP (SP) Thane district president Manoj Pradhan questioned the move, saying the road has become synonymous with accidents, traffic snarls and commuter hardships. While acknowledging Chimaji Appa’s contribution to liberating the region from Portuguese rule, Pradhan said the present condition of the highway makes it unsuitable for such an honour.
Claiming that 27 people have died in accidents on the stretch over the past 16 months, Pradhan asked, “How can a road associated with deaths, accidents and daily suffering be named after a warrior who fought to liberate this region?”
Sarcastic Suggestion
Taking a sarcastic swipe at the proposal, Pradhan suggested the highway be renamed “Yamlok Marg” instead, describing it as a “death trap” for motorists due to recurring accidents, infrastructure works and persistent traffic congestion.
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