In a move aimed at reducing traffic congestion on Ghodbunder Road in Thane, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that heavy vehicles will be allowed to ply on the stretch only between midnight and the early morning hours.

The decision was taken during a high-level coordination meeting chaired by Shinde on Monday night, attended by senior officials from multiple departments, according to a statement issued by his office. The restrictions come as ongoing road works on the Ghodbunder stretch have severely impacted daily traffic movement.

Shinde has directed the traffic police and civic agencies to enforce the curbs strictly during the day. “Strict action will be taken against officers who allow heavy vehicles on the route before 12 midnight and fail to enforce the new timings,” the Deputy CM warned.

He instructed Thane Collector Shrikrishna Panchal to coordinate with the Thane Municipal Corporation, Navi Mumbai police, Palghar district administration, and Mira-Bhayandar authorities to ensure seamless enforcement.

Shinde also asked Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) CMD Unmesh Wagh to ensure that trucks and trailers heading toward Ghodbunder Road are dispatched only after midnight. Additionally, he directed officials to control the entry of vehicles from Ahmedabad and keep them halted at Achchad and Chinchoti until midnight. The plan includes setting up temporary parking zones for heavy vehicles to manage the flow effectively.