Parties Call Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway Roko At Virar East Over Smart Meters
Leaders across political parties in the Vasai-Virar region have announced an all-party highway blockade at Shirsad Phata in Virar East along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway. The planned demonstration is being organised to protest against the installation of new smart electricity meters, which have reportedly caused severe difficulties for local consumers.
The decision to stage the agitation was taken unanimously during an all-party meeting held on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC). Representatives gathered to voice public grievances regarding the smart meter rollout being conducted by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) alongside the Adani Group.
The meeting drew participation from leaders and office-bearers representing multiple political outfits, including the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), the Indian National Congress, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, the Communist Party, and other local political groups.
Following the discussions, the coalition announced that the Highway Roko protest will take place on Monday, September 7, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. The demonstration is planned to assemble opposite K.T. Resort at Shirsad Phata, directly impacting the arterial Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway.
In preparation for the protest, formal written notifications have been dispatched to key administrative and law enforcement bodies. Letters detailing the planned blockade have been submitted to the Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate, the Mandvi Police Station, the manager of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway authority, and the Palghar District Collector.
The demonstration on September 7 is anticipated to lead to substantial vehicular disruption along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway corridor. Organisers state that the united political front aims to mount pressure on the state administration and MSEDCL to address consumer concerns regarding the new metering infrastructure.
