Frequent closures of the subway due to waterlogging also cause congestion and slow-moving traffic along the SV Road and the Western Express Highway in the Andheri and Jogeshwari areas.
PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
The Andheri subway, a crucial east-west connector in the western suburbs and a known flooding hotspot every monsoon, has been closed at least 10 times in July, due to waterlogging after moderate to heavy spells of rain.
The subway had to be shut twice on Wednesday, and the traffic police diverted east-west traffic in the area to the Gokhale bridge, a detour of approximately 1.5 km for commuters, and the Balasaheb Thackeray flyover, a detour of roughly 3 km from the Andheri subway.
Frequent closures of the subway due to waterlogging also cause congestion and slow-moving traffic along the SV Road and the Western Express Highway in the Andheri and Jogeshwari areas.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is yet to find a permanent solution to the waterlogging issue. It has stationed three dewatering pumps at the location currently. The Indian Institute of Technology is already on board for a Flood Management Plan for Mumbai. Andheri subway is being studied as a part of this plan. Authorities did say this is a low-lying area and hence the frequent flooding.
Meanwhile, they added that a solution will need at least R600 crore, so it is prudent to take a studied approach and not act hastily.
We need a visionary and long-lasting solution to this problem. If the authorities want to take their time and are working in conjunction with experts, they must set a definite timeline to accomplish the task.
Even next monsoon, though motorists will have a tough time, is acceptable. But we must see that the problem is resolved, and this is truly the best solution. We need to work doubly hard on low-lying areas and identify potential new trouble spots so that flooding is tackled effectively everywhere in the city.
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