The planned repair work on Thane’s Ghodbunder Road, earlier scheduled for August 15 to 18, has now been postponed amid adverse weather conditions. To execute the repair work, the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation had announced extensive traffic diversions on the section. However, it was later withdrawn due to persistent rainfall and anticipated holiday traffic congestion. What Are The Traffic Diversions? The asphalt resurfacing work had to be done on the Gaimukh Ghat Road section. For this, the authorities had earlier announced significant traffic diversions, including a ban on heavy vehicles. Moreover, alternate routes were also announced via Bhiwandi-Kalher, Mumbai-Nashik Highway, and Chinchoti. But these measures now stand cancelled. The repair work was important for this damaged route as Ghodbunder Road is a crucial corridor connecting Thane with Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai, Virar, Borivali, and Dahisar. Additionally, the heavy vehicles heading to JNPA Port and Bhiwandi from Gujarat and Vasai are also dependent on this key route for movement. The Gaimukh Ghat stretch of the road experiences frequent damage, particularly during the monsoon season. Problems like potholes develop, leading to congestion and massive inconvenience to the commuters. Long Weekend Issue This year, as August 15 was a national holiday due to Independence Day and fell on a Friday, it created a long holiday weekend. Hence, heavy traffic anticipation and continuous downpour prompted the authorities to postpone the work. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Thane for August 15, followed by an orange alert till August 19. The city is expected to experience “heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places” during this period, receiving between 64.5 mm to 204.4 mm of rainfall. The authorities have not announced any revised schedule yet for the redevelopment work. Thane City Police and the Mira-Bhayandar-Vasai-Virar Police may issue fresh traffic diversion notices once the revised schedule is announced. Commuters are advised to plan their routes accordingly and stay updated with traffic authorities before planning any trips.