mid-day IMPACT: Aarey speed breakers get markings after report, safety concerns persist

Freshly painted speed breakers in Aarey colony. Pics/Satej Shinde

Following a recent report by mid-day highlighting the dangers posed by unmarked speed breakers on Aarey Milk Colony's main road, authorities have begun painting the humps to improve visibility. While commuters have welcomed the move, many say critical safety gaps remain, especially the absence of wildlife crossing signboards.

The development comes days after the April 16 report, "Unmarked speed breakers on Aarey main road put motorists and wildlife at risk," which flagged how poorly marked traffic-calming measures were increasing the likelihood of accidents.

What the earlier report found

>> Speed breakers were installed to reduce two-wheeler accidents
>> Lack of markings made them hazardous, especially at night
>> Internal roads also had similar issues with unmarked humps built by the public works department

Visible change on ground

A visit by this reporter to the Aarey Milk Colony main road showed that several speed breakers are now being painted, making them easier for motorists to spot. Wasim Athaniya, a wildlife enthusiast and daily commuter, said, "It is good to see that after the mid-day report, BMC has begun marking the speed breakers. This should help prevent accidents, as motorists and two-wheeler riders will now be able to spot them more easily."

Residents flag bigger safety concern

Despite the improvement, commuters say the larger issue of wildlife safety remains unaddressed. Satish Lot, an Aarey resident, said, "The painting of speed breakers is a welcome move. However, authorities must also install wildlife crossing signboards. These will alert motorists, especially those speeding at night, to slow down."

Breakers without markings on Aarey's main road. Pics/ Ranjeet Jadhav

Key facts

Location: Aarey main road, Aarey Milk Colony
Civic authority: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
Daily traffic: Over 25,000 vehicles
Connectivity: Links Goregaon's Western Express Highway to Powai and Marol
Primary issue: Earlier unmarked speed breakers are increasing accident risk
Current action: Speed breakers are being painted for visibility

Safety concerns

>> Earlier warning signage and speed breakers at accident-prone spots were removed during road work
>> No wildlife crossing signboards are currently installed on key stretches
>> Speeding, especially at night, continues to pose a threat

Local stakeholders - including tribal residents, wildlife activists, and nature lovers - call for:
>> Strict speed restrictions
>> Increased patrolling by police and forest dept
>> Immediate installation of wildlife crossing signage
They warn that reckless driving on the stretch endangers both pedestrians and animals moving through the forested corridor.