Jams lasting hours were reported on the Eastern Express Highway due to asphalting work on the Sion flyover; protesters in favour of Anna Hazare's Lokpal Bill held up traffic at Linking Road in Bandra
Jams lasting hours were reported on the Eastern Express Highway due to asphalting work on the Sion flyover; protesters in favour of Anna Hazare's Lokpal Bill held up traffic at Linking Road in Bandra
It was nightmare Sunday for motorists yesterday with two of the city's vehicular lifelines -- Eastern Express Highway and Linking Road -- witnessing traffic jams lasting more than 90 minutes each.
Nowhere to go: Owing to the ongoing asphalt work on the Sion Circle
flyover, motorists were stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic
While asphalting work on the Sion flyover was responsible for jams on the EEH in the evening, a protest march organised by Anna Hazare's supporters between Bandra and Juhu-JVPD junction clogged Linking Road around the same time.
It seemed that even the gods were not spared, as a Ganesh mandal
had to wait in the jam for more than a hour. Pics/Datta Kumbar,
Pradeep Dhivar
On the EEH, the distance between Dadar and Sion, which takes a maximum of 15 minutes on a normal day, took motorists more than 90 minutes yesterday. This, despite yesterday being a Sunday, which usually sees less traffic on the roads.Long distance buses and heavy vehicles headed towards Navi Mumbai and Nasik also added to the traffic woes.
When MiD DAY started the journey via EEH from Dadar in the evening, we saw that there was bumper-to-bumper traffic from the middle of the northbound carriageway of the Dadar flyover, all across the Kings Circle-Tilpule Chowk flyover, and right till the end of the Sion flyover. The distance took us close to an hour on a bike and car owners told us that they had spent 90 minutes or more in getting through the stretch.
Why now?
Angry motorists, most of whom were out with their families, said the asphalting work, which was being carried out by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), should have been done late in the night instead of the evening, when traffic density is at its peak. Speaking to MiD DAY, Sagar Kutkar who was going home to Chembur on his bike, said, "The asphalting could have been avoided altogether had the MSRDC done it properly when the Sion flyover was constructed. Having said that, if they wanted to asphalt it, they should have done it in the night. You can't afford to do this on the EEH, which is one of the city's road lifelines."
Another motorist, Kartik, said, "The traffic police should have been in greater number to direct traffic flow. The jam could have been avoided if the police had not given the MSRDC permission to work in the evening. Didn't they realise that it would lead to traffic jams? Where is the coordination?"
Anna effect
Meanwhile, a 50,000-strong rally in support of the Jan Lokpal Bill between 4.30 pm and 9 pm brought traffic to a standstill at Linking Road in the Western Suburbs. Motorists, however, complained much less about the extra time they were spending on the road saying the rally was for a good cause.
Despite heavy rains, the rally witnessed a huge turn-up of clapping, chanting supporters, who were being served water and food along the way. "I have been participating in all the rallies since the last 3 days and will continue to do so till the bill is passed", said Ashish Mishra, a social activist. Many people joined the rally as it moved from Bandra to Juhu-JVPD junction.u00a0
Among the interesting slogans heard at the rally was 'Twinkle twinkle little star, Anna you are a superstar'. "We are very happy with the number of people supporting us. This is no less than a revolution and will definitely achieve its goal," said a volunteer. Security was being taken care of with two SRPF vans following the marchers. Traffic police personnel were also seen everywhere. "I have been stuck in traffic for a long time, but that is fine as long as it is for a good cause," said Rahul Sharma, a motorist.
The Other Side
MSRDC Chief Engineer Subhash Nage said, "We are carrying out asphalting to rid the flyover of potholes. People want us to solve the pothole issue and we request them to cooperate with us when we are doing it."
Senior Police Inspector (Traffic) Sanap from Matunga said, "Traffic constables were present to direct the traffic. Sunday was chosen as there are lesser vehicles on the roads compared to other days."
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