Mumbai Coastal Road tunnel fire: Experts call for public awareness on emergency response

Traffic on the Coastal Road is disrupted after a fire broke out in a car in the southbound tunnel on Wednesday. Pic/By Special Arrangement

While the Coastal Road tunnel incident on Wednesday sparked panic among motorists and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation claimed that systems worked as they were supposed to, experts asserted that the authorities should spread awareness among the public at large to ensure that citizens know how to act when hazards arise.

Rohit Shinkre, architect and urbanist

‘Most people aren't aware of safety protocols and procedures even if there are any in place. The Coastal Road has multiple fire exits that lead crowds to a third tunnel between the two tunnels, which could have been accessed by pedestrians for a safer exit. Authorities should focus on how they can educate the public on vital disaster protocols; this will minimise panic and chaos such incidents lead to'

Vivek Pai, transport expert

‘Wednesday's incident has surprised all stakeholders. The most important thing to do in such situations is not to panic; people should be aware of safety protocols. Authorities should increase awareness about the safety protocols. This incident and the chaos that followed serve as an example for us to update and inform existing safety guidelines and protocols regularly'

Civic engineer, who didn't wish to be identified

‘The BMC needs to reassure the public that safety features are in place. It's also really fortunate that the incident didn't prove fatal for anyone while leaving a mark on the public and authorities, making them aware of things they might have been ignorant about. This incident will really help us be prepared for upcoming, even more ambitious projects'