Ahead of Ganeshotsav, Mumbai-Goa highway sees heavy traffic, police deployed

With Ganeshotsav only a few days away, the number of "chakarmanys," migrant workers from Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Pune heading to their native villages in Konkan, has risen sharply. The rush of people travelling to welcome Ganpati Bappa to their ancestral homes has swelled traffic on the Mumbai-Goa highway, slowing vehicles at several points.

The number of vehicles heading to Konkan for Ganeshotsav is rising every day. Large numbers of people have set out in cars, ST buses, private travel vehicles and two-wheelers. Heavy traffic has been reported in particular on the Mumbai-Goa highway stretch through Chiplun, Khed, Mangaon and further along the route.

To ease the journey for these commuters, the administration has planned traffic arrangements. Police have been deployed at key points on the highway, and measures are being put in place to keep traffic moving smoothly.

Meanwhile, ongoing roadwork on some stretches of the highway, narrow sections and potholes in places are forcing drivers to proceed with caution. The number of vehicles is expected to rise further during the Ganeshotsav days, and drivers are being urged to control their speed, follow traffic rules and heed the administration's instructions.

Homes in Konkan have begun to be decorated to welcome Ganpati Bappa, and markets have seen a rise in shoppers as well. With commuters streaming out of Mumbai and its suburbs, a festive Ganeshotsav atmosphere has already set in along the highway leading to Konkan. The journey home has begun even before Ganpati Bappa's arrival, and the number of vehicles on the Mumbai-Goa highway is expected to rise further in the coming days.

With fast-moving vehicles on one side and local traffic on the other, the risk of accidents has increased in these hazardous conditions. Foot overbridges being built to help people cross the highway safely remain incomplete at several points, forcing people to cross the highway at risk to their lives. Women, students, the elderly and young children in particular are facing considerable difficulty because of this.