Common sense prevails, govt bodies come up with cost-effective ways such as including razing or resizing roundabouts to deal with tailbacks
Erecting a flyover may solve the problem of tailbacks at a traffic junction, but there are simple and cost-effective ways to deal with the problem, the Mumbai Transformation Support Unit, along with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), has found out. The two bodies have now started working on a traffic junction improvement project for the city.
Although the plan, which includes demolishing or reducing the size of roundabouts, was discussed on March 22, 2013 in the 'Empowered Committee meeting on Mumbai Transformation', chaired by the chief secretary, not much headway has been made till date.
"MTSU and MMRDA officials have started the initial round of meetings to take the traffic junction improvement plan ahead," said a senior development authority official.
The idea is to troubleshoot traffic congestion issues by spending bare minimum rather than opting for expensive projects of erecting flyovers at junctions. The fresh look will save time and resources for the government.
"MTSU has started working to identifying the traffic junctions in Mumbai and will soon provide a list of problematic locations where simple measures can be undertaken. They will prepare plans and designs for junction improvements," added the MMRDA official.
Earlier this year, in February, the MMRDA had remodelled Kalanagar Junction in Bandra to improve traffic dispersal and have got favourable results. The authority also had multi-crore plans at the same junction of constructing flyovers and underpasses, which is now kept on hold. Similar plans are there on paper to redesign Babulnath Junction at Girgaum.
The next junction that Mumbaikars will witnesses improvement in traffic will be Panjarpol Junction in Chembur. The rotary at the junction will be demolished to provide more room to vehicles. This measure will also aid motorists entering and exiting from Eastern Freeway.
Transport experts and activists have been behind the idea of cheaper version of traffic junction improvement plan and not elevated roads. Transport expert Ashok Datar had provided a plan for Kalanagar as well as for space below Domestic Airport flyover on Western Express Highway.
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