Mid-day test drive found that commuters on the WEH and EEH often face bumper-to-bumper traffic. Pics/Satej Shinde, Ashish Raje and Ranjeet Jadhav (Story/Ranjeet Jadhav and Rajendra Aklekar)
Aarey Colony flyover: A visit during evening peak hours revealed that congestion on the flyover and its approach roads was caused by slow-moving goods carriers, heavy vehicles, and outstation buses. In contrast, the northbound lanes below the flyover were mostly vacant
Kalina Vakola flyover: During evening peak hours, traffic slowed to a crawl on the flyover and approach lanes primarily due to the movement of goods carriers, heavy vehicles, and outstation buses. It was also observed that the northbound lanes beneath the flyover were largely empty. Diverting goods carriers, outstation buses, tempos, and trucks onto these lanes could make a difference
An official from the transport department said, “Allowing slow heavy vehicles on steep flyover gradients during peak hours can reduce effective capacity — but legally, unless notified otherwise, they are permitted. Restrictions, where imposed, are usually time-based”
Kanjurmarg flyover: While traffic congestion on the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) is relatively lower than its western counterpart, during a trio from Sion to Ghatkopar similar issues were witnessed. Buses and small- to medium-sized goods carriers were seen plying the Kanjurmarg flyover, leading to congestion, even as the lanes beneath remained largely empty. Diverting buses, goods carriers, and other heavy vehicles to the service lanes below the flyover could ease congestion considerably
Domestic airport flyover: In the northbound direction, tempos, small and medium goods carriers, and buses could be seen using the flyover, which appears to be a key reason for bumper-to-bumper traffic in this area during both morning and evening peak hours
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