09 December,2015 10:40 AM IST | | Tanvi Deshpande
If the dug-up roads in Mumbai were not enough, the BMC has now decided to allow roadwork to go on in the island city 24x7 as against a previous rule that allowed them only from 11 pm to 6 am
If the dug-up roads in Mumbai were not enough, the BMC has now decided to allow roadwork to go on in the island city 24x7 as against a previous rule that allowed them only from 11 pm to 6 am. This has been done with a view to expedite roadwork and complete them on time.
BMC roadwork in progress at Dr Ambedkar road, near Dadar TT flyover. Pic/Bipin Kokate
The decision is part of a series of decisions taken by municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta and Police Commissioner Ahmad Javed for smoothening the city's traffic. But it means more trouble for motorists and pedestrians who will have to endure dust and noise during the day as well.
To monitor and improve the city's burgeoning traffic, both Mehta and Javed had undertaken a joint inspection of a police chowky in Andheri last month before it was demolished. They also held meetings about the efforts to be taken by the two agencies to help regulate the traffic, and it was decided that regular meetings would be held at the deputy commissioner of police and deputy municipal commissioner level for the same.
As part of the same effort, the BMC on Tuesday announced its decision to allow road works even during the daytime in the city.
Dig, dig...
After the monsoon, city roads were dug up once again for laying of asphalt, concrete and other improvement works. This is part of a BMC master plan to improve every single city road in a span of three years, that is, till 2017.
Under it, roadwork is taken up in phases, and the post-monsoon phase has only just begun, albeit amid allegations of corruption. However, as per the rules, roadwork can be done in the island city only between 11 pm and 6 am, unlike the suburbs.
"The traffic police and the civic body have now decided to allow such works 24x7 to make sure they are sped up and completed on time. This will benefit 26 works currently underway in Tardeo, Malabar Hill, Pydhonie, Kalbadevi, Byculla, Nagpada, Matunga, Bhoiwada, Wadala, Worli, Mahim and Colaba," said a statement issued by the civic body on Tuesday. However, junctions are not a part of this plan. The rules will continue to be the same for junctions as they witness major traffic.
Cop speak
"There are two types of work: Milling and excavation right from the foundation. Since the latter leaves the road dug up right from its base and makes it unusable, we decided to allow roadwork there. This will speed up work. But there is a rider. No noisy works can be undertaken in residential areas at night," said Milind Bharambe, joint commissioner of police (traffic).
