Safety concerns on the National Highway (NH 61) stretch between Murbad and Malshej have intensified despite a new concrete road upgrade. While the ₹400 crore project aims to improve travel conditions, multiple reports highlight ageing bridges with visible structural issues. Residents and local representatives have raised concerns about cracks, corrosion, and a lack of full reconstruction. Officials maintain that approved works are being executed, but questions remain over long-term safety, supervision, and infrastructure planning on this key Maharashtra transport route.
Murbad–Malshej National Highway safety concerns explained: New concrete road, old bridges and rising alarm
The Murbad–Malshej stretch of National Highway 61 is being upgraded with a costly concrete road, but residents, local leaders and some officials allege several old bridges remain unsafe.
Murbad–Malshej National Highway safety concerns have intensified as a new cement-concrete carriageway takes shape between Kamba and Savarne, while questions persist over ageing bridges below the upgraded surface.
National Highway 61, linking Kalyan, Murbad, Tokawade, Malshej Ghat and Alephata, is a major transport artery carrying state buses, heavy vehicles, private cars and tourist traffic throughout the year.
According to the raw report, the Kamba-to-Savarne road contract, valued at around Rs 400 crore, was awarded to Rajasthan-based RRMS Infotech, with work continuing for roughly one-and-a-half years.
The upgrade is expected to improve travel on the previously damaged asphalt stretch, where potholes had reportedly caused repeated accidents from Murbad to the foothills of Malshej Ghat.
However, the central concern is not the road surface alone. Multiple claims in the report suggest several old stone bridges on the same alignment remain weakened, patched or cosmetically repaired.
Residents and local voices allege that at least three bridges are in a dilapidated state, with cracks, exposed corroded iron rods, leaking sections and missing masonry visible in places.
Some structures are described as having stone lower pillars and concrete upper sections, while vegetation, including peepal and banyan growth, is said to have taken hold of parts of them.
The report also mentions infrastructure along the Kadampada-to-Savarne section, including 26 culverts, 10 stone-and-concrete retaining walls, nine small and large bridges, and two small iron bus shelters near Bhorrande village.
At Udaldoh, an older bridge has reportedly received cement parapets, while two bridges in the Fangulgavhan area and another near Savarne were allegedly given surface finishing and paint.
Bridge safety on NH 61 under scrutiny
Critics argue that such visible improvements do not answer the larger structural question. They say a smooth road may speed up movement, but dangerous bridges could still place motorists at risk.
Deputy Engineer Dhanaji Thile of the Murbad division reportedly said responsibility for this specific work had not been assigned to him, according to the draft provided for publication.
The report further states that repeated calls to Thane Deputy Engineer Gaurav Suryavanshi went unanswered, while contractor engineer Subhash Puniya was available on site and handling local coordination.
Another engineer, identified as Palaskar from the National Highways side, is quoted as saying only approved works are being executed, and some older stone bridges will be removed or strengthened.
Subhash Puniya of RRMS Infotech said approved new bridges at Dhanivali, Rayate, Murbad and Tokawade had been built, while other bridge sections were repaired alongside road concreting.
Pradip Roy, described as liaison manager of RRMS Info Company, Rajasthan, is quoted in Hindi as claiming that all bridges on the highway used by large and small vehicles are new.
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Water extraction, land compensation and local complaints
Beyond bridge safety, the report raises allegations that water was extracted daily by hundreds of tankers for two years from the Kalu riverbed near Nyahadi, Savarne and Thidbi.
These claims suggest the riverbed was left dry, affecting residents, wildlife and public revenue. Mandal Officer G. Pawar of Nyahadi reportedly said a field panchnama was submitted to revenue authorities.
Former Zilla Parishad member Subhash Appa Gharat alleged that dangerous curves remain unchanged despite crores being spent, and claimed no responsible National Highways officer regularly supervised the work.
Sanjay Pawar, identified as a Zilla Parishad member from Murbad, alleged that affected farmers whose land was acquired did not receive even one rupee in compensation and criticised construction quality.
Bhau Deshmukh, Up-Taluka Pramukh linked to Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray’s party in Murbad, alleged that poor stone was used in protection walls near Aawalyachi Wadi bridge and complained of bogus work.
Ravindra Chandane, district president of RPI (Secular), said he submitted a written complaint to the minor irrigation department over alleged Kalu river water theft and demanded penal action.
Dinesh Jadhav, founder of Adivasi Kranti Sena in Murbad, also alleged poor-quality work and said a written complaint had been submitted to the Thane District Collector.
The broad demand emerging from residents is for a structural audit of the Murbad–Malshej National Highway stretch, immediate rebuilding of dangerous bridges, and accountability if negligence is established.
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Editorial Note:
This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.
