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The Bombay High Court has permitted the Maharashtra government to begin urgent repairs on the 26-kilometre Chinchoti-Kaman-Anjur-Mankoli road that connects Thane and Palghar to Bhiwandi's warehousing hub. The road's condition had worsened severely, causing accidents and traffic disruptions, while arbitration with the toll operator remained unresolved. Technical reports showed only a fraction of the required work had been completed. Growing protests from local groups and commuters added to the pressure, leading the court to allow the state to intervene and carry out repairs until a long-term solution is finalised.
The Bombay High Court recently cleared the way for the state government to take up repairs on the Chinchoti-Kaman-Anjur-Mankoli road, a 26-kilometre stretch linking two national highways and providing access to Bhiwandi's warehousing and logistics hub. The road has been in poor shape for months, and its worsening condition raised serious concerns for both daily commuters and heavy vehicle operators that rely on the route. Advertisement
The state submitted a technical report prepared by Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, which confirmed that only about 15% of the required repairs had been completed by mid-June. Despite repeated directions, progress on restoring the road had stalled. The road was being maintained by SVBT, the concessionaire company that was authorised to collect tolls and handle upkeep. However, after financial defaults, insolvency proceedings, and eventual bankruptcy, the company could no longer meet its obligations. Arbitration over the contract has been pending, leaving the matter unresolved.
Local organisations, including transporters, traders, residents, and tribal welfare groups, had consistently voiced their concern about the crumbling road. A fatal accident, in which a two-wheeler rider died after skidding on a pothole, further highlighted the risks. Public protests also followed, with Shramjeevi Sangathana leading a 12-hour demonstration demanding immediate repairs. In response, the government carried out surface-level patchwork, but advocates and commuters described the work as inadequate and without accountability.
The High Court, noting the urgency of the situation, permitted the government to undertake immediate repairs to ensure the road remains motorable and safe for the public. The judges observed that public interest and safety could not be compromised while arbitration and legal processes continued. The state has now been given the responsibility to carry out meaningful repair work until the dispute over the contract is resolved.
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