KANKAVLI — Commuters on the Mumbai-Goa National Highway (NH-66) have expressed significant anxiety following reports of a structural failure at the Kasarde flyover. On May 9, 2026, a slab of the flyover reportedly collapsed for the second time, raising serious questions regarding the quality of construction and the safety of the thousands of travelers who use this arterial route daily.
The incident has sparked a wave of concern among local residents and frequent travelers, as the Mumbai-Goa highway is currently undergoing a massive expansion aimed at shortening travel times between the two major hubs. However, repeated structural setbacks like the one seen at Kasarde have dampened the enthusiasm for the project’s nearing completion.
Panic Among Travelers
The collapse occurred during daylight hours, leading to immediate traffic congestion and a sense of panic among motorists. Visuals from the site show a significant portion of the concrete slab missing, with reinforcement bars exposed and debris scattered. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties have been reported, as the area was promptly cordoned off by local authorities.
Local residents noted that this is not an isolated incident. The fact that the slab has collapsed twice in the same general area has led to allegations of negligence. Many commuters took to social media to share their experiences, describing the fear of driving over a structure that appears unstable.
Authorities and Local Leaders Take Action
Following the incident, former MLA Pramod Jathar visited the site to inspect the damage. Jathar took a firm stance against the highway authorities and the contractors involved, demanding immediate accountability. He was seen confronting officials on-site, questioning how such a lapse could occur twice in the same location.
The Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have deployed heavy machinery, including JCBs, to clear the debris and begin an assessment of the structural integrity of the remaining slabs. Engineers have been tasked with conducting a thorough audit to determine whether the failure was due to a design flaw, poor material quality, or external environmental factors.
Impact on the Highway Timeline
The Mumbai-Goa highway expansion has been a long-awaited project, with the government recently announcing a completion deadline of May 2026 for most stretches. While significant progress has been made on the tunnels and four-lane segments, the recurring issues at the Kasarde flyover threaten to delay the official inauguration of this specific section.
The highway is vital for the economic development of the Konkan region, facilitating the movement of goods and boosting tourism. However, experts suggest that safety must remain the top priority, even if it means extending the timeline to ensure that all structures are earthquake-resistant and capable of withstanding the region’s heavy rainfall.
Moving Forward: Safety Audits Required
As repair work begins, there are growing calls from the public and local political leaders for a third-party safety audit of all flyovers and bridges along the NH-66 stretch. The goal is to identify any hidden structural weaknesses before the highway is fully opened to high-speed traffic.
For now, traffic is being diverted or regulated through a single lane at the Kasarde stretch. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and stay updated on official traffic advisories while the repair work continues. The incident serves as a stark reminder that in the rush for infrastructure development, the quality of construction remains the most critical factor for public trust.
