Pune Mumbai Highway: Maval MLA Warns of Toll Plaza Shutdown Over Traffic Jams and Rising Accidents
Pune: Khed Shivapur Toll Hike Raises Cost Of Pune–Satara Travel
Pune: Maval MLA Sunil Shelke has issued a strong warning that the Somatne Phata and Varsoli toll plazas on the Pune–Mumbai highway will be shut down if immediate steps are not taken to address persistent traffic congestion and frequent accidents. Citing public inconvenience and growing safety risks, Shelke has given the administration a 10-day ultimatum to implement corrective measures.
Speaking at a review meeting held at the Maval Panchayat Samiti office, Shelke said that both the old and new Pune–Mumbai highways are witnessing severe traffic snarls on a daily basis, particularly near toll plazas. He added that commuters are bearing the brunt of prolonged delays, while accident rates have increased sharply at identified black spots along the stretch.
The MLA expressed dissatisfaction with the response of agencies responsible for highway management, including the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and concessionaire IRB. Despite repeated follow-ups, he said, no concrete action has been taken so far to ease congestion or improve safety conditions.
Shelke noted that the issue was also raised during the recent state legislative assembly session, yet ground-level improvements remain absent. “If the authorities fail to take firm decisions within the next 10 days to control traffic congestion and prevent accidents, a protest will be launched to shut down the toll plazas,” he warned.
With commuter safety, time loss and accident prevention emerging as major concerns, Shelke’s ultimatum has put pressure on the administration to act swiftly. All eyes are now on whether the concerned agencies will implement effective solutions or face public agitation and disruption at the toll plazas.
