Ban on Heavy Vehicle Movement on Shilphata and Ghodbunder Roads

Transporters express strong opposition to 18-hour restriction.

The Transport Department has ordered a ban on heavy goods vehicles along major highways including Ghodbunder, Shilphata, Kate, and Badlapur roads from 6 am to midnight. This 18-hour restriction has triggered anger among goods transporters, who argue that it will create severe traffic congestion and economic losses.

Transporters questioned whether traffic jams at city entry points would worsen once hundreds of heavy vehicles line up after midnight to enter the highways. “Who will be responsible for the chaos caused by long queues of trucks at these entry points?” they asked.

Heavy goods transport is the backbone of the economy, carrying raw and finished products daily across Maharashtra and beyond. Timely delivery of materials is crucial for industries, but transporters warn that if trucks are halted for 18 hours at city borders like Thane, Mumbai, Kalyan, Shahapur, Murbad, Badlapur, and Karjat, it will create major bottlenecks.

Industrial hubs around Thane, Navi Mumbai, Ambernath, Dombivli, Bhiwandi, Saravali, and Taloja depend on uninterrupted goods supply. Delays could cause losses worth crores to manufacturers. Perishable or grain-like goods are especially at risk during heavy rains. If damaged, the burden often falls on transporters.