Thane, August 24: A citizen movement has begun in Thane, wherein several people in the Thane area have decided to boycott election- from the municipal corporation to the Lok Sabha until the roads are repaired in their localities. According to a Mumbai Mirror report, more than a hundred residents will converge at Waghbil Naka on Ghodbunder Road today, from where they will drive to Airoli Bridge, 17 km away, to highlight the problems which they face every day. During the protest, they will keep the car lights on throughout the 17-km drive as a mark of protest.

Road Commuters’ Forum is the group which they have formed and 250 members are already part of it. They have begun championing for their causes on social media using the hashtag #FixRoadsElseNoVotes, #Freedom-FromPotholes and #KhaddaChallenge.

In a major relief for people commuting between Thane and Mumbai, the Maharashtra government exempted small private vehicles from paying toll at Mulund and Airoli toll booths. This came after complaints by commuters about huge traffic jams due to Mumbra bypass remaining shut for reconstruction. Commuters on small vehicles will not have to pay toll from August 21 to September 23.

Meanwhile, reports say that the repair and renovation work of Mumbra bypass is expected to be completed by September 10, following which the road will be thrown open to the public. Mumbra bypass has been shut for traffic since May this year due to repair and renovation work.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2018 09:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).