A Study of the Relationship between Road Maintenance and Commuter Safety in Thane District

Abstract

Road maintenance and infrastructure development play a critical role in ensuring commuter safety, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions. Thane District, characterized by increasing population density, rising vehicular movement, and large-scale infrastructure projects such as metro construction and real estate development, faces persistent challenges related to road quality and commuter safety. While infrastructure development is essential for long-term urban growth, its short-term disruptive effects such as frequent road digging, delayed restoration,

and uneven road surfaces can adversely affect road usability and increase safety risks for daily commuters. The present study examines the relationship between road maintenance quality and commuter safety, with infrastructure development acting as a mediating variable. Adopting a descriptive and analytical research design, the study is based on primary data collected from 150 commuters in Thane District using a structured questionnaire and a five-point Likert scale. Demographic variables such as gender, age, and primary mode of transportation are also considered to capture mode-wise and group-wise differences in perception. Data analysis employs descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and comparative techniques to assess relationships among the variables. The findings reveal significant variation in perceived road maintenance quality across modes of transport and indicate a strong negative relationship between infrastructure development activities and commuter safety. Ongoing construction projects and poor inter-agency coordination were found to deteriorate road conditions and reduce commuters’ sense of safety, especially among two-wheeler and public transport users. The study highlights the need for integrated planning, timely road restoration, and safety-focused infrastructure management to balance development goals with commuter well-being.