Dug-up spots on Kalina-Vakola flyover result in congestion; citizens call it recipe for disaster; earlier, the flyover had potholes, which riders had become accustomed to, but since the roadwork has started, regular commuters are getting confused
One of dug-up patches on the Kalina-Vakola flyover that are causing traffic congestion on January 29. Pic/Shadab Khan
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) attempt to smoothen the surface of the pothole-ridden southbound section of the Kalina-Vakola flyover by shaving off the top layer of tar in several spots is adding to the troubles of motorists plying the Western Express Highway, who are now manoeuvring their vehicles cautiously to avert mishaps, thus bringing traffic to a crawl.
Commuters’ grievances
Prakash Gaikwad, who works for a ride-sharing app as a side hustle, told mid-day, “Riding on this flyover has become challenging, as the surface layer that has been removed is at least an inch thick, if not more. Because a lot of debris is lying on the road, the height difference only increased, and this is a sure recipe for accidents. I ride so carefully that sometimes I’m moving at 10 kmph to avoid accidents.”
One of the shaved patches on the Kalina-Vakola flyover that are causing traffic congestion on January 29
Earlier, the flyover had potholes, which riders had become accustomed to, but since the roadwork has started, regular commuters are getting confused. Ramzan Shaikh, one such motorist, said, “I know the spots that are pothole-ridden, including at the very edge of the flyover where there are drain holes, but since the work has begun, it feels like I am driving on a new route resembling a mud road. I feel it is best to avoid the flyover as much as possible.”
The surface-less parts of the road are also very uneven, forcing drivers to stay on their toes constantly to avoid edges. “I had visited this side of the city for the first time, and when I got onto the Vakola flyover, I did not understand what was happening with the road. It was in a terrible condition,” said Pritam Banse.
Experts speak
Nitin Dossa, chairman of Western India Automobile Association, talking about the dangers of such stretches, said, “While plying roads that are not properly worked on, it is not just two-wheelers that get damaged, but all types of vehicles, and not only the tyres but suspension and other integral parts of the vehicle are at risk.”
He added, “Such shoddy work is not acceptable, as it can cause severe accidents. The civic authorities must have better planning, as flyovers are integral to the city’s traffic flow.”
Authority comment
Though attempts to contact the BMC’s H East ward were made by mid-day to get a comment on the condition of the road and learn when the work would be completed, the authorities did not respond by press time.
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