Mumbai-Goa highway: State plans Ganeshotsav traffic diversions

The 84-km Panvel-Indapur section of the Mumbai-Goa highway is expected to carry heavy Ganeshotsav traffic this month.

PWD minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale asked the PWD, National Highways Authority of India, police and other agencies to coordinate traffic arrangements before the festival begins on September 14. Officials have been asked to monitor the Nagothane flyover, keep light vehicles moving, submit daily reports and adjust arrangements to road conditions.

Internal roads identified as diversion routes are to be repaired and kept motorable. Temporary centres along the route are planned with drinking water, electricity, medical help and mobile toilets.

The highway project, launched in 2011, is incomplete after its March 2026 completion deadline. Bhosale said 90% to 95% of the work was complete. He said the Chiplun bypass would open after the monsoon, while work on the Mangaon bypass is targeted for completion in January 2027.

Bhosale also said he would seek a Ganeshotsav toll waiver from Union minister Nitin Gadkari.