MMRDA has started work on dismantling tracks; say will ease traffic congestion in busy office area; according to the MMRDA, the conversion is projected to increase traffic capacity by 600 to 900 vehicles per lane
A worker excavates a cycle track at G Block in Bandra Kurla Complex on Monday. Pic/Satej Shinde
The dismantling of cycle tracks at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), which began on August 1, is set to be completed by next week. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), in early May, had stated that several underutilised tracks would be repurposed into vehicular lanes to expand the width of existing roads.
According to the MMRDA, the conversion is projected to increase traffic capacity by 600 to 900 vehicles per lane. Supporting infrastructure such as streetlights, signboards, bus stops, as well as trees and landscape elements, will be relocated to the footpaths to facilitate the expansion.
An excavated cycle track at G Block in Bandra Kurla Complex on Monday. PIC/Satej Shinde
Those who visit BKC daily for their work say that the tracks are mostly used by two-wheeler riders and auto drivers instead of cyclists. “We see a lot of two-wheeler riders entering the cycle lanes because of the congestion that exists during the peak office hours. If the authorities are getting rid of these tracks, it is a good thing and would definitely reduce congestion,” said Ramesh B Hadilgar, an auto driver who chiefly operates in BKC.
Tracks barely used
Workers working on the removal told mid-day that the work would be finished in the coming week. “We have been tasked with finishing the work as soon as possible so that the roads are not as congested as they are now. So far, we haven’t received any complaints from pedestrians about the work, and neither have we seen any cyclists facing discomfort due to the removal,” said Abbas Shaik, who is working on the removal.
The cycle tracks, which were introduced in 2011 and revived in 2014, have been barely used by cyclists, but pedestrians claim that sometimes the cyclists who do use them don’t gauge their speed while riding. “Last year, my friend was almost hit by a cyclist as she was crossing the track to get into a bus. Luckily, she didn’t get hurt, and the cyclist avoided her and stopped in time. If the authorities are removing the cycle tracks, I think it is for the best,” said an office-goer, requesting anonymity.
Car is illegally parked on a cycling track at BKC on June 2, 2015. FILE PIC
The MMRDA claims that the enhancement is expected to reduce peak-hour travel time by 10 minutes, which would also affect the traffic signal wait times, reducing them from 10 minutes to seven. An MMRDA official said, “Through the MMRDA’s strategic plan, we are enhancing BKC's infrastructure by expanding roads and implementing a one-way traffic system. These measures will significantly reduce congestion, improve travel times, and make BKC more efficient and accessible for commuters. This decision is the result of careful consideration of BKC’s growing economic importance and increasing footfall.”
Cyclist Speak
Firoza Suresh, a cycling enthusiast, told mid-day, “The BKC cycle track was the perfect example of how such tracks should be planned, but it has turned out to be an art installation and not a critical part of people’s travel plans. Cycle tracks should provide first and last-mile connectivity, which would’ve been possible if they had extended to railway stations. In a city like Mumbai, a lot of planning is needed before we go ahead with such projects; otherwise, we will build them only to dismantle them later.”
How BKC’s road layout will be transformed
Existing stretches
2+2 lanes (7 m + 7 m) with 2.7 m cycle tracks
2+2 lanes (7 m + 7 m) with 1.5 m cycle tracks
1+1 lanes (3.5 m + 3.5 m) with 1.5 m cycle tracks
Their replacements
3+3 lanes (9.7 m + 9.7 m)
3+3 lanes (8.5 m + 8.5 m)
2+2 lanes (5.0 m + 5 m)
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