Commuters flag faulty, obscured traffic signals near Mumbai airport’s T2

The dysfunctional signal near Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur

Commuters have raised concerns about three signals on the stretch leading to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport's Terminal 2. While one of them isn't functional, the other two are obscured by vegetation when viewed from more than 10 metres away.

One of the two signals that are obscured by vegetation

The faulty signal is the second one motorists encounter after taking a left onto Sahar Road towards the airport. It is also a crucial junction used by those who do not wish to take the elevated road. The stretch in question also lacks speed breakers, prompting people to drive faster than usual, which is a recipe for disaster in the absence of a functioning signal.

‘Will fix issue'

‘Such an issue has not come to my notice, but since it is a high-traffic area, we will take action to rectify the issue soon. I will visit the spot tomorrow [Monday], and see to it that the BMC and traffic department fix the lights'

Ajit Borhade, deputy commissioner of police, traffic (western suburbs)

Commuter Speak

Akram Shaikh, auto driver
‘I come to the area often to pick up passengers from the airport. I have often seen accidents occur when people don't follow traffic rules and try to overtake vehicles without considering their surroundings. Though two of the lights of one of the functional signals work perfectly, they are hidden by the trees on the divider'

A rider, who requested anonymity
‘I have gotten confused on the stretch. The signals that were working weren't visible, and I was moving at 20 kmph. The signal on the opposite pillar was off. Luckily, I slowed down while approaching the junction. If I hadn't, it could've led to an accident'

An auto driver, who requested anonymity
‘Earlier, staff from the airport would come to the junction to handle traffic, but that isn't happening now. While it is understandable that it isn't their job to do so, since they stopped intervening, there is a huge mess during evenings'