Multiple deaths expose Anandnagar MIDCs’ poor roads

Ambernath: The Vaibhav Hotel junction in the Anandnagar MIDC area of Ambernath East has increasingly turned into a dangerous traffic spot, with several accidents reported over the past year and repeated complaints from citizens about poor and incomplete traffic planning. While accidents have occurred at multiple locations across the region, official data shows that a total of 29 accidents have been reported in Ambernath, Badlapur, and Ulhasnagar areas, raising serious concerns about overall traffic safety and administrative negligence.

The Anandnagar MIDC junction near Vaibhav Hotel sees heavy daily traffic, including MIDC workers, school and college students, ambulances, and heavy vehicles. Despite this, the junction still lacks basic safety infrastructure such as zebra crossings, stop lines, and proper dividers. Although a traffic signal has been installed, local residents say it has proved to be an incomplete and ineffective measure in the absence of essential road markings and pedestrian facilities.

Due to the lack of clear road markings and pedestrian crossings, both motorists and pedestrians are often confused about where to stop and where to cross, leading to frequent traffic chaos and a higher risk of accidents. Locals claim that several serious accidents, including fatal ones, have occurred in and around this area, but the authorities have failed to take decisive and comprehensive action.

According to information received from the Assistant Commissioner of Police’s office, a total of 29 accidents have been reported across the region 4 in Ambernath East, 12 in Ambernath West, 3 in Badlapur East, 2 in Badlapur West, and 8 in the Ulhasnagar Camp No. 5 area. This data, citizens say, highlights the wider problem of inadequate and unscientific traffic planning in the region.

Apart from the Vaibhav Hotel junction, locations such as the Ambernath East–West flyover, the road in front of ITI, Matka Chowk, Jambul Road, and Forest Naka are also increasingly being identified as accident-prone due to poor planning, insufficient signage, and incomplete work.

In several places, roads have been dug up for signal-related work and temporarily covered only with metal plates, with the work remaining incomplete for days. This has created obstacles for motorists and further increased the risk of accidents.

While Speaking to The Perfect Voice, Suyog Pawar, President of Siddharth Multi-Purpose Social Organisation, said, “There are serious shortcomings in traffic management in the Anandnagar MIDC and Vaibhav Hotel area. Instead of limiting measures only to installing a signal, essential facilities like zebra crossings, stop lines, and dividers must be completed immediately. This will certainly help reduce accidents and improve public safety.”

Meanwhile, attempts to contact Ambernath Municipal Council Chief Officer Umakant Gaikwad and City Engineer Rajesh Tadvi for their response were unsuccessful, as both officials did not answer calls.

Citizens are now asking a direct question If innocent lives are being lost due to faulty and incomplete traffic planning, who is responsible the municipal administration or the traffic department? Residents say that instead of taking temporary steps after accidents occur, the authorities must implement proper and scientific traffic planning to prevent further loss of life.