The Kalyan-Badlapur State Highway, which was extended nine years ago, continues to face safety issues due to electric poles that obstruct the roadway. During the road-widening project by MMRDA, many electric poles were relocated. However, about 150 poles remain across a stretch of 3.5 kilometers, causing frequent accidents. These poles have turned into hazards for motorists. Just four days ago, Mohammad Arif Suleman, an autorickshaw driver, was killed by one of these poles.
In the past nine years, accidents on this stretch have claimed the lives of 79 people. This rising death toll has intensified demands to remove these poles. The Kalyan-Badlapur State Highway begins at the Sai Baba Temple on the Ulhasnagar-Ambarnath border and ends at the Chikhloli Forest Check Post. It serves as a key route for vehicles traveling towards Pune and Karjat.
79 deaths in 9 years
The poles along the state highway have become increasingly lethal. Being a state highway, vehicles often travel at high speeds, making the poles hard to spot, especially at night. Between 2015 and 2024, these poles have caused accidents that resulted in the deaths of 79 people.
Records from the Ambarnath West Police Station show that between 2022 and 2024, there were more than 100 accidents on this highway. From 2015 to 2021, 52 lives were lost in crashes. In 2022, the highway saw 35 accidents, claiming nine lives. In 2023, 29 accidents were reported, leading to eight deaths. Last year, in 2024, the highway witnessed 43 accidents, resulting in 10 fatalities.
₹9.14 Crore for Removal of Poles
The MMRDA has allocated ₹9.14 crore for the removal of these electric poles. While the announcement was made two days before the implementation of the assembly election code of conduct, the work is yet to begin. Underground cables necessary for the project have arrived, and work is expected to commence in the coming days.
The construction and maintenance of this highway fall under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The relocation of the electric poles also remains their responsibility.
“We are aware of the accidents caused by the poles and have been following up with MMRDA to expedite their removal. The tender process has been completed, and work will begin soon. In the meantime, we are placing reflective bands on the poles to prevent further accidents.”
Vijay Singh Dudhbate, Public relation officer, Mahavitaran Kalyan division
