Navi Mumbai: Local citizens have demanded that a five-metre-wide lane on one side of the four-lane concrete road from Gavan Phata in Panvel taluka to Dighode in Uran taluka be reserved for small vehicles to reduce congestion and the growing number of accidents.In a written statement, citizens said large numbers of trailers and other heavy vehicles use the route and are parked on both sides, frequently causing traffic jams. This creates difficulties for local travellers and obstructs ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Several accidents have also occurred on the route, they said. Citizens proposed separating the lane with a cement concrete divider and prohibiting heavy vehicles from entering or parking in it. They also sought soil filling along the roadside wherever required to make the lane properly usable. A similar traffic arrangement is already in place on Vahal bridge in Panvel taluka, and citizens demanded the system be replicated immediately on Gavan Phata-Dighode road as well to largely benefit the locals.The statement was submitted to Raigad guardian minister Bharat Gogavale, Raigad zilla parishad president Mangesh Wakadikar and local MLA Mahesh Baldi during a programme commemorating the forest satyagraha at Chirner in Uran taluka. Citizens said they were prepared to provide voluntary labour if govt lacked funds for the project. They urged the administration to act immediately, citing traffic congestion, parking problems and public safety. A local resident, Naresh Patil, said the connectivity has witnessed many mishaps due to the plying of heavy vehicles on this busy highway.
