A viral aerial video shared by a travel influencer exposed massive craters and severe potholes on the Mumbai-Goa highway at Vashishti Bridge near Chiplun, drawing public attention to the hazardous condition of this vital route. Following the video, repair work began immediately, reported NDTV, with portions of the road now navigable by trucks.
The ongoing Mumbai-Goa highway project, aimed at reducing travel time from 12 hours to about 6, faces delays and cost overruns, with expenses rising from Rs 3,500 crore to Rs 7,300 crore. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) clarified that this stretch falls under Maharashtra’s Public Works Department (PWD) jurisdiction, which is managing repairs. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has instructed fast completion of highway work before Ganeshotsav to facilitate smooth travel for devotees.
“NHAI would like to inform that the Mumbai-Goa National Highway in Chiplun near Vasishthi Bridge does not fall under NHAI’s jurisdiction and is maintained by the NH Division of PWD under the state government,” said NHAI on X.
Revealing the Reality: Vashishti Bridge Road Conditions and Repairs
The viral footage captured extensive damage to the Mumbai-Goa highway at Vashishti Bridge, showing huge potholes that create a perilous driving experience, especially for smaller vehicles obscured by trucks parked along the narrow divider.
NDTV reports confirmed that repair crews, equipped with shovels and JCB machines, are actively filling the potholes, and trucks have started moving more smoothly on repaired sections. The highway is crucial for traffic between Mumbai and Konkan tourist destinations, making timely road safety measures essential for commuters and local livelihoods.
The Mumbai-Goa Highway Project: Ambitious Plans Amid Delays and Cost Escalation
Initially launched in 2011, the Mumbai-Goa highway project covers a 466-km stretch from Panvel to Sindhudurg, engineered to halve travel time from 12 hours to 6. The project is divided between the NHAI, overseeing the Panvel-Indapur segment, and Maharashtra’s PWD, responsible for other stretches, including the vulnerable Vashishti Bridge area.
Under frequent strain from monsoon rains in August 2021, the Maharashtra government allocated Rs 100 crore for urgent repairs, including Rs 52 crore for temporary fixes. Overall costs have more than doubled to Rs 7,300 crore, reflecting challenges in terrain, infrastructure, and administrative coordination. A Rs 21 crore provision supports urgent improvements, particularly near Indapur-Mangaon. Public Works Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale heads a state-level committee accelerating four-laning, bridge repairs, and safety enhancements.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The conditions at Vashishti Bridge highlight the pressing need for sustained coordination between central and state bodies to maintain critical infrastructure. While jurisdictional overlaps add complexity, the priority must remain on commuter safety and operational efficiency, especially during peak travel seasons like Ganeshotsav.
Transparent communication and accountability could prevent hazardous conditions and minimize public inconvenience. Thoughtful investment in quality maintenance and community in-put can elevate infrastructure outcomes.
