Dangerous traffic gap near Aarey Milk Colony flyover in Mumbai sparks safety fears

Two-wheelers slip through the gap in the barrier at the southern end of the Aarey Milk Colony flyover on the Western Express Highway. PIC/NIMESH DAVE

A dangerous traffic modification on the Western Express Highway near the Aarey Milk Colony flyover has raised safety concerns. At the spot where southbound vehicles descend from the flyover, a key barrier has been removed to enable vehicles to take an abrupt left turn from the carriageway of the 25.33-km highway onto the adjoining service road.

An autorickshaw slips through the gap (circled)in the barrier at the southern end of the Aarey Milk Colony flyover on the Western Express Highway

What may seem like a convenience-driven change has, in reality, created a high-risk conflict point between speeding highway traffic and vehicles attempting sudden lane shifts, with no clear channelisation or warning systems in place. mid-day reached out to Senior Police Inspector Sunil Yadav from Goregaon Traffic Division, but did not receive a response by press time.

Spot assessment

When mid-day visited the spot recently, it was observed that after descending the Aarey Milk Colony flyover, the barrier separating the main carriageway from the slip lane below had been removed.

Sources have alleged that this may have been deliberately done to facilitate easier access for vehicles heading towards the service road and a petrol pump in the east.

Shockingly, the authorities concerned, including the traffic police, appear to have turned a blind eye to this hazardous situation, which could potentially lead to accidents.

A heavy vehicle plies the stretch adjoining the main carriageway, which vehicles must cross to reach the petrol pump. PICS/NIMESH DAVE

Voices of concern

Vipul Mane, daily commuter
‘I was shocked to see that the barrier at the southern end of the Aarey flyover had been removed, allowing vehicles to directly access the service road. This is a disaster waiting to happen. The traffic police must act before a major accident occurs'

Jitendra Gupta, transport expert
‘This is extremely dangerous. Was due process followed before taking such action? Who authorised it, and was a proper inspection carried out prior to issuing the order? In the event of an accident, who will be held accountable? This is unacceptable'