Safety net work causes traffic halts on Mumbai-bound Samruddhi stretch

Nashik: Traffic on the Mumbai-bound carriageway of Samruddhi Mahamarg is being halted for three one-hour slots daily as authorities install protective safety nets on hill slopes and near tunnel entrances to prevent rockfalls and landslides.

The restrictions, in place till Nov 6, affect only the Nagpur-Mumbai direction. The Mumbai-Nagpur carriageway remains open to traffic.

According to highway police, traffic is stopped between 10 am and 11 am, 1 pm and 2 pm, and 4 pm and 5 pm to facilitate the safety work. Police said adequate bandobast has been deployed to ensure smooth traffic management and prevent congestion.

Assistant inspector Ram Vhonde of the highway police said the closures are limited to the Mumbai-bound lane. “Vehicular traffic is stopped for some time only on the lane leading to Mumbai. The Mumbai-Nagpur side has not been closed,” Vhonde said.

Motorists in a hurry can exit the expressway at the Bharvir interchange, travel via Mumbai-Agra highway and re-enter the expressway near Pimpri Sado at the Igatpuri interchange.