As the countdown begins for operations at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) now expected to start from December 25, a crucial infrastructure gap looms large in Ulwe. Though the area is rapidly developing with an expanding population nearing 1.5-2 lakh, there is not a single authorised petrol pump in Ulwe, leaving residents dependent on risky and illegal alternatives.
Sanjay Yadav, Kuldeep Tiwari and Samarth Solanki
More than three years ago, the city-planning agency CIDCO had itself identified the need for fuel stations, but not a single pump has materialised. “We are running to Belapur or Kharghar just to fill petrol. When airport taxis and commuters begin rolling in, our daily journeys will become a nightmare without a nearby pump” says Sunny Pandey, a sales professional and resident of Sector-24.
Illegal sales mostly in bottles or cans have mushroomed. Some black-market sellers are reportedly charging as high as `125-130 per litre, compared to `103 to 104 at regular pumps. Residents say it is not just costlier, it’s dangerous. “This isn’t just a matter of convenience,” warned Samarth Solanki, social activist and resident of Sector-18. “It’s a ticking time bomb as storing petrol in kirana shops or homes invites tragedy,” he added.
Sunny Pandey, resident of Sector-24
There is a chilling precedent to his fear. In a recent tragic incident, a family of four, lost their lives in a cylinder blast triggered by illegal petrol storage and handling in Ulwe. “They were forced into black sales and it destroyed a home,” recalls Sanjay Yadav, a local resident and civic-watchdog.
Activist Kuldeep Tiwari laments that with NMIA and rising traffic poised to transform Ulwe into a major commuter hub, the absence of an authorised fuel station is not just inconvenient it’s irresponsible. Despite several attempts, CIDCO officials could not be reached for comment.
