Citizens flag auto menace, footpath hazards, and bus delays across Mumbai

“We have observed that since the past few years, the autorickshaw numbers have increased in Santacruz West. Added to this, there are also the double parking problems which are causing a great inconvenience to pedestrians like senior citizens and children. We request the concerned authorities to look into these aspects on a short-term basis.  On a long-term basis, a thought may be given to make it an auto-free area like Mahim.”
Seema Bokkasan

Aarey Milk booth on footpath

“I am once again writing to you to please look into the Aarey Milk Stall/Booth which has been placed on the footpath just outside the ‘Bombay Institution for Deaf and Mutes’ in Mazgaon (opposite Mazgaon Court). It has been placed there for the past 3 years and locked up and non-operational. Some MLA/politicians in this area have made money doing this nonsense. We don’t need this useless monster taking up space on the footpath. Can mid-day kindly investigate?”
Sheila D’Souza

Uneven footpath, broken railings

“The exit at DN Nagar Metro station, Andheri (West), located near the signal, presents a significant safety concern for pedestrians, particularly the elderly, due to the need to traverse the roadway to access the opposite side.

The removal of existing railings to facilitate passage, in the absence of alternative exits, has created an unevenly cut railing with sharp edges, posing a risk of injury. This condition has persisted for an extended period.”
Kamal Siddiqui

Badly managed bus queues

“I am writing to draw attention to the distressing situation of long and poorly managed queues for BEST bus routes at Malad. Commuters relying on routes 243 and 622 to Jankalyan Nagar, as well as buses to Marve (272), are routinely subjected to waiting times of a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour. This daily ordeal is both exhausting and inefficient, particularly for working residents. What is especially frustrating is the stark contrast with other routes, such as 620, where buses are seen plying nearly empty at frequent intervals. This apparent imbalance in allocation points to a larger issue of route planning and resource management. Despite multiple complaints being submitted to BEST authorities, there has been little to no improvement. I urge your publication to investigate this matter and highlight the disparity in wait times, commuter load, and route management. Greater public scrutiny may help bring about the necessary corrective action.”
Nichola Pais

Responses

After Mumbaikars sent in their questions and woes to mid-day last Monday, some of the authorities concerned responded. We haven’t given up on the rest. We shall continue to hold authorities accountable for the state of the city. 

How does one identify a licensed hawker

Usha Jeyakumar 

Response: A senior official from the licence department said, “Within one week, BMC will launch the project where licensed hawkers are given QR codes with details of their documents, which they need to display at their stall. However, evn if a licensed hawker uses unnecessary space on a footpath, litters the area or uses footpaths for storage, BMC takes action against them.” The official confirmed that action will be taken against these hawkers if they are found to be bending any rules. 

Dead signal

Meldan D’Cunha

Response: DCP Traffic Dipali Ghade said, “So far I have not received any such information about a signal not functioning post midnight-night. But I will look into the matter and get into the details of the issue.” 

Cancelled trains

Joseph D’Silva

Response: “The 97330 (T-36) Thane scheduled departure at 8.36 am is running every day. As per the timetable, it is not scheduled to run on Sundays and holidays,” a CR spokesperson said, adding real-time details of its run from the operations department are available.

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