Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Shahapur Women Protest Delayed Highway Over Dangerous Potholes
A highway near Shahapur has not been finished even though construction began in 2018.
Many parts of the road have deep potholes and unfinished sections.
People say traveling on it is slow, difficult and unsafe.
Students, workers, farmers, patients and older people are among those affected.
Local women say earlier requests and promises did not solve the problem.
They plan to sit peacefully on the damaged road to demand action.
The road project is managed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation.
The tehsildar said a disagreement with farmers affected by the project caused the delay.
Officials plan to meet the farmers and say construction might restart within a week.
Women in Shahapur plan a peaceful road protest on Tuesday, August 25, citing eight years of delays.
The Shahapur-Murbad-Patgaon-Khopoli highway project began in 2018 but remains incomplete.
Residents report deep potholes, unfinished sections, dust, mud, congestion and vehicle damage.
Women say the road has contributed to accidents, deaths and serious injuries, affecting students, workers and patients.
The tehsildar attributed the delay to a dispute with affected farmers and said work could resume within a week.
- Who
- Women from the Shahapur area, guided by Gram Panchayat member Chandrakala Durge, are organizing the protest.
- What
- They plan to sit on a pothole-ridden section of the incomplete Shahapur-Murbad-Patgaon-Khopoli highway.
- When
- The protest is planned for Tuesday, August 25, on Mangalagaur Day; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- On the damaged highway in Shahapur taluka, Thane district, Maharashtra.
- Why
- They are demanding action over the eight-year construction delay and hazardous road conditions.
Residents and Protesters
Administration
Responsibility for the delay
Residents and Protesters
Women and residents say the administration has failed to act despite repeated memorandums, demands and assurances.
Administration
Shahapur Tehsildar Ishwar Kasule said the delay is linked to a dispute between affected farmers and MSRDC.
Road safety and urgency
Residents and Protesters
Residents say potholes and unfinished stretches have caused accidents, deaths, serious injuries and hardship for commuters.
Administration
The administration said it is arranging a meeting with farmers and officials and has sought police deployment to help complete the pending work.
Immediate action
Residents and Protesters
The women plan to occupy a section of the road peacefully to press for repairs and completion.
Administration
Kasule said there is a possibility that highway work will resume within a week.
- Project
- Shahapur-Murbad-Patgaon-Khopoli highway
- Construction start
- 2018
- Project agency
- Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC)
- Main problems
- Deep potholes, unfinished work, dust, mud and traffic congestion
- Reported impact
- Accidents, deaths, serious injuries, vehicle damage and longer commuting times, according to residents
- Administrative explanation
- A dispute between project-affected farmers and MSRDC
- Possible next step
- The tehsildar said work could resume within a week after a meeting with farmers and officials