The Raigad District Collector has issued an order imposing a temporary ban on general traffic along select routes in Raigad district to facilitate the smooth movement of large-scale machinery destined for GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited) at Usar, Alibaug on Saturday.

As per a communication from the Raigad-Alibaug Superintendent of Police, Premier Transport Limited will be transporting the heavy machinery required for GAIL. The machinery is of significant dimensions, measuring approximately 11,040 mm in length, 5,550 mm in width, and 5,210 mm in height. The planned transportation route includes Kalyan – Taloja – Kalamboli – Pen – Nagothane – Pezari – Alibaug – Kurul – Usar.

"To minimize traffic congestion and inconvenience to the public, the transportation will take place between 12.01 am and 6 am on May 31," a statement issued by Raigad administratio, said. Authorities have arranged for vehicles to be temporarily halted at specific points along the route to allow the cargo to pass smoothly. The district traffic branch will oversee the deployment of necessary security arrangements during this period.

Given the height of the cargo, officials from MSEDCL will also be present to ensure power supply is disconnected wherever necessary. A formal letter from the company confirms these arrangements, the statement further mentioned.

"In view of the ongoing monsoon, the transportation will proceed in stages. The designated route for the transport includes Nagothane – Shihu – Kudus – Chikhli village – Pezari Check Post – Karle Ghat – Alibaug – Kurul – Belkade, and finally to the GAIL plant at Usar," administration confirmed.

Considering the circumstances, Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale has issued an order prohibiting all types of vehicle traffic on the aforementioned routes between 12.01 am and 6 am on Saturday, to facilitate the safe and smooth movement of the cargo.