7-foot pothole chokes key road near Mumbai, Shiv Sena issues 48-hour ultimatum

Traffic has slowed to a crawl on Ghodbunder Road as giant potholes disrupt movement between Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar. The road damage has also sparked a political confrontation over repairs and funding.Ghodbunder Road potholes choke traffic as Shiv Sena sets 48-hour deadlineAlthough the spell of rain has eased across Maharashtra, motorists in Maharashtra's Palghar district are now dealing with large potholes on the Ghodbunder Road stretch linking Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar. The damaged road has disrupted traffic on the key National Highway connecting Mumbai and Delhi, with commuters reporting long delays.Heavy traffic has been seen from Kajupada in Bhayandar to Vasai-Virar as vehicles move slowly through the affected stretch. The condition of the road has also turned into a political issue, with the repair work and lack of funds drawing sharp reaction.An on-ground measurement by the Aaj Tak Mumbai team found one pothole to be nearly 7 feet long and around 3 feet wide, underlining the extent of the damage. During rain, the potholes fill with water and become difficult to spot, raising the risk of accidents. Vehicles often drop into them, causing damage and exposing drivers and passengers to back, neck and spinal injuries.Authorities are carrying out patchwork repairs, but motorists continue to ask when a permanent solution will be provided instead of temporary measures. The poor condition of Ghodbunder Road has now become a flashpoint. Mira-Bhayandar Mayor Dimple Mehta has written to the Municipal Commissioner, stating that the civic body does not have enough funds to carry out the repairs and that the work should be undertaken with funds from the Maharashtra government. The letter prompted a response from Shiv Sena, which has given the municipal corporation a 48-hour ultimatum and warned of an aggressive protest if the repairs are not completed within that period.Shiv Sena has also sought a criminal case against Mayor Dimple Mehta and the Municipal Commissioner, alleging that they have put citizens' lives at risk. A memorandum seeking action has been submitted to the Mira-Bhayandar Police Commissioner. As the deadline set by the party draws closer, the confrontation over Ghodbunder Road is set to sharpen, while commuters continue to wait for the potholes to be repaired and normal traffic to resume.- EndsInputs from Pravin Sitaram NalawadePublished By: Sayan GangulyPublished On: Aug 5, 2026 15:15 IST