Shahapur Women Demand Highway Repair and Threaten Mangala Gauri Protest
Women from affected villages across Shahapur submitted a memorandum to the Shahapur tehsildar, demanding immediate action on the long-delayed Shahapur-Murbad-Patgaon-Khopoli highway and warning of a peaceful road-block protest on Mangala Gauri if their demands are not addressed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation.
Construction on the highway project began in 2018 under the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) but remains unfinished nearly eight years later. Local residents and commuters continue to negotiate pothole-filled stretches, incomplete construction, dust, and muddy patches along the route.
According to the local women who presented the memorandum, the hazardous road conditions have caused several serious accidents, resulting in reported deaths and severe injuries. The daily commute has severely impacted students, workers, farmers, traders, patients, senior citizens, and pregnant women. Frequent vehicle breakdowns on the damaged route have also led to additional financial losses for commuters.
The memorandum details several urgent demands, including an immediate inspection of the highway and the urgent filling of dangerous potholes. The women have requested a time-bound plan for completing the remaining construction work on a priority basis, as well as clarity on compensation for affected farmers and their inclusion in project-related discussions.
The women also highlighted damage to local public infrastructure caused by the ongoing construction. They demanded the restoration of the crematorium at Nadgaon, the well at Donghar, and the Vidhi Ghat located on a drain. They further urged authorities to conduct an inquiry into the damage to public facilities and fix responsibility on the contractors and officials involved wherever lapses are established.
Until the highway work is finished, the group has asked for temporary safety measures for students, women, senior citizens, and patients, along with safe alternative traffic arrangements and proper signboards to guide motorists.
Gram Panchayat member Chandrakala Durge stated that the issue involves the safety and well-being of residents and the proper utilisation of public funds. She warned that if immediate action is not taken on their demands, women will stage a peaceful protest by sitting directly on the pothole-ridden highway on the day of Mangala Gauri.
The submission was attended by Sarpanch Kamal Rera, Vidya Durge, Juhi Pawar, Shobha Manje, Daya Bhalke, Sunita Bhalke, Tarabai Durge, Tarabai Bhalke, Kantabai Harad, Sitabai Bhalke, Chhabbi Satpute, Sarika Farde, Vijaya Belawale, Shakuntala Bhalke, Jaywanti Bhalke, Tai Madke, Rekha Pawar, and Bhavana Pawar, alongside a large number of local women.
