Motorists laud plan to build FoBs, flyovers at Worli-end of BWSL to ease traffic, but locals oppose it and put MSRDC in a spot
Motorists laud plan to build FoBs, flyovers at Worli-end of BWSL to ease traffic, but locals oppose it and put MSRDC in a spot
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) has put the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) in a tight spot.
On one hand, commuters are unhappy because the traffic congestion at the Worli end defeats the purpose of taking the BWSL route. On the other hand, Worli residents oppose the MSRDC's plans to ease traffic chaos.
After the bridge opened on July 1, the MSRDC was bombarded with complaints about a bottleneck at the Worli end. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi too reprimanded the body for the traffic congestion.
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Bumper To Bumper: The MSRDC has been bombarded with complaints about traffic jam at the Worli end of the Sea Link. |
To sort out the problem, the MSRDC forwarded a proposal to the Ministry Of Environment and Forests seeking permission for the construction of three foot-over bridges (FoBs) and two car decks at the Worli end.
Car decks are two-lane flyovers.
"The FoBs and car decks will help in smooth flow of traffic. If we are not able to meet the demands, the purpose of spending Rs 1,600 on the Sea Link is defeated," said an MSRDC official.
While the FoBs will ease traffic by keeping pedestrians off the roads, the car decks will divert vehicles from Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road, where the BWSL ends.
Two sidesNeedless to say, commuters have welcomed the plan.
Sajan Abraham, a senior consultant with a PR agency, who stopped using the Sea Link due to traffic chaos, said, "I pay Rs 50 to save time, but the purpose is defeated when it takes 30 minutes to reach Worli naka."
He lauded the MSRDC's plan.
But the agency is simultaneously facing the wrath of Worli residents. "MSRDC's plan is utter rubbish. Traffic will worsen if this proposal is approved.
We are already facing problems with BWSL and this new plan will be disastrous," said a 62-year-old resident from the area.
Current statusThe ministry has now asked the MSRDC to consider building an underpass instead. But the idea has been rejected by the agency, bringing the matter to an impasse.
The PlanFoot over bridges at... INS Strata Junction
Thadani Marg Junction Love Grove Junction
Car decks (two-lane flyovers for cars) at...
Pratiksha Building Thadani Marg
