Mumbai: Worli metal plates spark noise, safety complaints from locals

One of the metal plates that is causing a noise issue in the area

Two metal plates - used to cover access points to Worli Nalla's outflow side - lay in the middle of the road in front of the old passport office in Worli, in the junction between the Prabhadevi New Road and the Annie Besant Road. About 10 feet by 12 feet in size, these plates have long metal strips welded onto them horizontally to provide better traction for vehicles.

However, in the last few weeks, local residents have been complaining that the metal plates make too much noise as vehicles pass over them. When mid-day visited the area on Wednesday, one of the plates had been moved aside as BMC workers were working on securing the plate properly on top of the chamber.

Officials speak

Swapna Kshirsagar, G South ward officer
‘As far as I know, no ward-related work is going on at the spot, but I will get back to you with more details about the work in progress.'

The BMC is carrying out work to ensure one of the plates fits over the chamber properly. PICs/ASHISH RAJE

Work contractor
‘The reinstallation of the lid on which work is underway will be done in a week. We will then look into the second plate. We hope the noise issue is resolved after this work.'

Locals speak

‘Very irritating'
Pavan Jain, lives and works in area

‘We have been dealing with the noise for about a year. It gets difficult during the day. At night, as the traffic flow reduces, it gets better. But we want this incessant daytime noise to end.'

‘Difficulty driving'
A taxi driver in the area

‘Sometimes when we drive on the metal plate, and if it is wet or has sand on it, it makes us lose steering control. We hope the civic body installs a better lid at the spot.'

PICS/MADHULIKA RAM KAVATTUR

‘Not too worried'
Rakesh Ranka, shop owner in area

‘My family has been running this shop for over 50 years, and we have never faced any issues with the metal plate before. We trust that the BMC will soon add the rubber tubing between the road and the metal plate, as that will reduce the noise. Civic officials are already working on one of the plates.'

10ft x 12ft
Size of each metal sheet