The Vasai National Highway NH 48 has become a daily nightmare for commuters, often being mockingly called a “Notional Highway” instead of a “National Highway.” Once considered a lifeline for Vasaikars, this crucial route connecting Vasai to Mira Bhayandar, Thane, Bhiwandi, Vajreshwari, and Palghar is now plagued with endless problems.

At times, the situation is so grim that traveling from Vasai to Mumbai can take four hours or more. In one shocking instance, a car traveling from Palghar took seven hours just to reach Fountain Naka. For residents and businesses, the highway has turned into a source of frustration, delays, and dangers.

Monsoon Mayhem: Highway Turns Into a River

During the monsoon season, the Vasai National Highway NH 48 looks more like a flooded lake than a road. Certain stretches resemble fast-flowing rivers where vehicles crawl or come to a complete standstill. Poor drainage, blocked culverts, and reckless dumping have only worsened the flooding situation.

Faulty White-Topping Project

The white-topping project, intended to upgrade the road surface, has instead created accident-prone stretches riddled with potholes, cracks, and uneven patches. Long stretches of the “new road” have already deteriorated due to the use of substandard materials. Corruption and poor execution have resulted in a road that is more dangerous than before.

Reduced Lanes, Increased Jams

A six-lane highway has now been squeezed into just four, and at some points, merely two lanes. This drastic reduction has caused massive traffic snarls, especially near Virar and Ghodbunder. With heavy trucks, buses, and private vehicles fighting for space, commuters often spend hours stuck in gridlock.

Illegal Encroachments on Service Roads

The service roads along NH 48 have been taken over by unauthorized shops, garages, eateries, and bus stops. These encroachments block the free flow of vehicles and add to the congestion. Wrong-side driving by trucks, rickshaws, and even luxury buses makes the situation worse.

Destruction of Mangroves Worsens Flooding

One of the most damaging impacts has been the destruction of mangroves and wetlands around the highway. Once natural water-absorbing zones, these ecosystems have been replaced by concrete structures. As a result, rainwater flows directly onto the road, turning NH 48 into a river every monsoon.

Lack of Safety and Traffic Management

The highway suffers from poorly designed culverts, uneven road levels, and missing barricades. Illegal exits and inadequate traffic police presence further increase risks. With insufficient safety measures in place, commuters face a heightened risk of accidents and injuries every day.

Economic and Social Impact

The crumbling state of Vasai National Highway NH 48 is not just a commuter issue. It has caused severe disruptions to businesses in Vasai-Virar and across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Transportation delays, fuel wastage, and logistical challenges are driving up costs and impacting the local economy.

Residents are left questioning why one of the region’s most vital highways continues to remain in such poor condition despite repeated promises of repair and development.

A Call for Accountability

From potholes to poor governance, the problems on Vasai National Highway NH 48 demand urgent attention. Without immediate intervention, commuters will continue to suffer delays, risks, and mounting frustration. For a fast-growing city like Vasai-Virar, the state of NH 48 reflects the pressing need for proper infrastructure planning and accountability.

Inputs by Biju Cherian

This article is based on the author’s research and perspectives. The publisher claims no responsibility for inaccuracies. Views expressed are the contributor’s alone. Institutions mentioned are not endorsed unless specified.