Non-functional streetlights and parked container vehicles create safety risks for motorists at night.

The Concern

Several stretches of the JNPT–Palaspe and JNPA–Amra Marg highways in Uran have been left without proper street lighting, raising concerns among motorists and local residents about road safety. Streetlights at locations including Dronagiri, Dhatum, Karal, Jasai flyover and Gavhan Phata are reportedly not functioning. The problem is particularly concerning at night when visibility is already reduced.

The highways see heavy movement of container trucks and other vehicles throughout the day. However, many heavy vehicles are also parked along the main roads and service lanes. With some parked vehicles reportedly lacking proper warning lights or signs, motorists may struggle to spot them in the darkness. The situation becomes more difficult during the monsoon, when rain, potholes and muddy roads can further reduce visibility. Two-wheeler riders are especially vulnerable in such conditions, with the poor lighting increasing the possibility of accidents.

Uran Municipal Council president Bhavana Ghanekar has approached officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), seeking urgent action to restore the streetlights. According to reports, theft of oil from electrical transformers installed along the highways has also affected the power supply to the lighting system.

Residents and motorists have urged the authorities to repair the streetlights at the earliest and take additional safety measures along the busy highway stretches.

Dr Kailas Shinde highlights the role of engineers in improving civic services and adopting new technologies.

The Tribute

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya on National Engineers’ Day on September 15.

The programme was held to remember the contributions of Sir Visvesvaraya, one of India’s most respected engineers, whose work played an important role in the country’s development. Dr Shinde performed a puja of Sir Visvesvaraya’s portrait and congratulated engineers on the occasion. He appreciated their efforts in maintaining the quality of civic services and contributing to NMMC’s reputation through their work.

The Commissioner also stressed the need for engineers to stay updated with new technologies and modern developments in their field. He said that continuous learning and the adoption of innovative methods are important for improving the efficiency of civic infrastructure and services. City Engineer Shirish Aradwad, Assistant Director of Town Planning Somnath Kekan, Deputy Commissioner of the Garden Department Smita Kale, Additional City Engineer Madan Waghchaude and several other engineers were present at the programme.

The gathering served as an opportunity to recognise the dedication of NMMC’s engineering team and reflect on the importance of engineering in the city’s growth and development.

Centre to operate from 2 pm to 10 pm, helping working residents and senior citizens access healthcare closer to home.

The Health Centre

A new Urban Health and Wellness Centre was inaugurated at Rabale’s Warlipada area on the occasion of State Forest Minister and Palghar Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik’s birthday. The centre was established through the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation following the efforts of former mayor and corporator Sudhakar Sonawane.

Mayor Sujata Patil inaugurated the facility and inspected the centre along with officials and local representatives. She reviewed the healthcare services to be provided and directed the Health Department to ensure that residents receive quality and effective treatment. During the programme, Sonawane requested that the centre remain open from 2 pm to 10 pm so that working people could visit after returning from work. Patil accepted the request and announced the extended operating hours.

The new centre is expected to benefit working women, senior citizens and other residents who previously had to travel by rickshaw or on foot to access healthcare. Officials noted that Navi Mumbai has 59 Urban Health and Wellness Centres under the Central Government’s healthcare initiative, aimed at bringing medical services closer to people’s homes.

A tree plantation drive was also organised at Rabale as part of the birthday celebrations. Patil praised Sonawane’s efforts to transform barren land into a greener space, describing him as a committed environmentalist. Health Committee Chairperson Dr Jayjinath, Slum Improvement Committee Chairperson Ranjana Sonawane, Medical Health Officer Dr Rajesh Mhatre and other officials and residents attended the programme.