The deteriorating condition of the Nashik-Mumbai national highway is compelling many cab operators to opt for the Palghar route. Sagar Waghchaure, President of the Travel Agents Association of Nashik (TAAN), confirmed that drivers are avoiding the highway due to the nine-hour travel time. This extended duration has caused clients to miss flights and has led to significant disruptions.

Waghchaure noted that while issues like rainfall and potholes are expected, there is no current plan to resolve these problems. The heavy traffic from containers and trucks exacerbates the situation, with cab operators taking the Nashik–Jawhar–Wada route, which takes about six hours instead.

In response to the broader road concerns, District Guardian Minister Dada Bhuse announced plans to convene a meeting with senior officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other relevant departments. Bhuse aims to address the poor state of the Mumbai-Agra highway, particularly between Nashik and Thane, where travel times have increased by four to five hours due to potholes and ongoing construction work at Pimpri Phata junction.

Bhuse highlighted the need for immediate repairs and improvements, noting that traffic jams and potholes have severely impacted commuters. He also mentioned that the final phase of the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway, a 76-km stretch between Igatpuri and Thane, is expected to be completed by November, which should alleviate some of the congestion on the Mumbai-Agra highway.

Efforts are underway to improve the situation, with the NHAI working on road repairs and concretisation projects, though progress has been slow. The combined actions from local and national authorities aim to restore smoother travel for commuters between these crucial cities.