Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhonsale Orders War-Footing Measures to Decongest Satara–Kolhapur National Highway

Mumbai: Taking serious cognisance of the growing traffic congestion on the Satara–Kolhapur National Highway, Public Works Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhonsale has directed officials to initiate immediate and effective measures to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public convenience.

A detailed review meeting was held today to assess the progress of road works, the rising congestion in the Karad region, and the surge in sugarcane transport owing to the ongoing crushing season. During the meeting, Minister Bhonsale instructed officials to act swiftly and decisively to mitigate traffic snarls across key stretches of the highway.

Currently, around eight sugar factories are operational along this route, and the commencement of the crushing season has led to a heavy influx of transport vehicles. Frequent incidents of vehicle overturning and accidents have resulted in traffic blockages lasting several hours. To address this, Minister Bhonsale has directed that cranes be stationed at regular intervals to enable prompt assistance and faster traffic clearance during emergencies.

He further emphasized the urgent completion of pending service road works, ensuring that alternative routes remain available to commuters. Contractors responsible for incomplete bridge construction have been instructed to expedite and complete the work without delay.

Minister Bhonsale also called for installation of clear directional signboards, repairs to damaged service roads, and improvements in lighting and safety infrastructure along the highway to enhance overall traffic management and public safety.

The meeting was attended by MLA Shri Manoj Ghorpade, Public Works Secretary Abasaheb Nagargoaje, Under Secretary Sachin Chivate, and senior officials of the Public Works Department. District Collectors and Superintendents of Police from Satara and Kolhapur also participated via video conferencing.

“The administration must act on a war footing to prevent inconvenience to the public,” Minister Bhonsale asserted. “Our top priority is to ease traffic congestion and enhance safety through better maintenance of service roads, signages, and security systems.”