Traffic Chaos on NH48: Commuters Face Hours of Delays

Traffic congestion on National Highway 48 (NH48), a crucial route connecting Mumbai to Delhi, has reached alarming levels, causing significant frustration for commuters. On October 16, 2023, long queues extended for several kilometres, bringing traffic to a standstill near the Jambua Bridge in Vadodara. This incident marks the fifth major traffic jam on this stretch in the past two months, raising concerns among local residents and business owners alike.

The situation on NH48 has become increasingly dire, particularly during the monsoon season when potholes and the deteriorating condition of the Jambua Bridge exacerbate the issue. Commuters reported being stuck in traffic for hours, with many expressing their anger at the lack of timely solutions. “It’s a nightmare for people like us who use this highway regularly for business travel,” said Pradeep Sharma, a businessman from Vadodara. “Being stuck in traffic for several hours is frustrating.”

The highway serves as a vital link between Bharuch, an industrial town, and major metropolitan areas, accommodating over 45,000 vehicles daily, including trucks and private vehicles. Transport business owner Pritesh Shah emphasized the economic impact of these delays, stating, “Such traffic jams not only cause unnecessary delays in our business but also eat into our profits.”

Efforts to address the ongoing traffic issues have been made, but results remain elusive. Local MP Hemang Joshi recently raised the matter in Parliament, urging Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, to take immediate action. Following this, Gadkari instructed highway officials to expedite the resolution of the traffic woes. Additionally, the district collector issued a notice to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials in Vadodara, calling for immediate corrective measures.

While these discussions indicate some governmental awareness of the issue, commuters are left wondering when tangible solutions will materialize. A similar traffic jam occurred just five days prior, highlighting the persistence of the problem. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that immediate attention is necessary to alleviate the burden on those who rely on NH48 for their daily travel.