Mumbai: Unmarked speed breakers in Aarey raise safety concerns for commuters

The speed breaker near Matoshree stall, which lacks reflective paint. Aarey residents have been demanding safety upgrades. Pic/Satej Shinde

While the public works department (PWD) has begun installing speed breakers on Aarey's internal roads to protect commuters and wildlife, the measures are raising fresh safety concerns. Many of the speed breakers lack reflective paint and warning signs, making them barely visible at night and putting two-wheeler riders at risk.

The PWD, currently constructing internal roads in Aarey Milk Colony, had acted following long-standing demands from locals and wildlife enthusiasts. Much of the internal Aarey Road cuts through forested areas, home to leopards, civets, spotted deer, wild boars, and snakes, where speeding vehicles pose a serious threat.

A mid-day visit from Aarey Hospital to Goregaon revealed poorly marked speed breakers along the route. Wildlife lover and resident Aditya Shinde said, "It's good that PWD is installing speed breakers, but without reflective paint or proper signage, they're dangerous for riders and drivers after dark."

Earlier, on March 5, mid-day reported that the Urban Joint Forest Management Committees (UJFMC) had identified 43 key wildlife crossing points in Aarey. The report was forwarded to the additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF), Western Wildlife Region. The Aarey police had also suggested locations for speed breakers on the main road to the BMC, but no action has been taken yet.

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PWD Executive Engineer Gunjan Dighavkar said, "We will soon repaint the speed breakers with reflective markings and install cat's eye reflectors. Signage near the speed breakers will also be put up in the coming weeks to warn motorists with early warnings about the speed breakers ahead."

Activist Godfrey Pimenta, the Watchdog Foundation said, "Installing speed breakers without reflective paint and warning boards not only defeats the purpose but can increase accident risks. Smooth roads encourage speeding, making unmarked speed breakers particularly hazardous."