Mumbai: BMC creates gap in divider outside Churchgate station

A 7-8 feet wide gap has been made in the divider outside Churchgate railway station. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

The BMC has created a gap in the median divider on Maharshi Karve Road opposite Churchgate station to the convenience of pedestrians, but citizens say they feel unsafe while crossing the road in the absence of a traffic signal. mid-day had on January 19 reported how pedestrians complained about lack of a gap in the divider on this stretch. Following the report, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation removed a portion of the divider to make space for pedestrians to cross the road safely.

A BMC official said, "Sometimes, the traffic police suggest where we can keep gaps for pedestrians to cross the road. In this case, there is a chance that our officials got a similar suggestion from traffic cops."

Citizens welcomed the move but stressed that there was a need to install a traffic signal here too. A pedestrian named Shabbir said, "They have made a place so we can cross the road, but it is risky, especially for senior citizens, to cross such a busy road. A traffic signal would help."

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Mayank Sagar, a youth who takes the road daily, said, "There is a need for a traffic signal here. While it is good that the authorities have created a gap in the divider, I have seen several senior citizens facing trouble while crossing the road as vehicles keep moving. City planners should think about senior citizens when planning infra for the city."

Pedestrian Dishant Nirmal said, "The gap provided by the BMC is small. Only six-seven people can stand there at a time. As one has to wait here to cross the road given the movement of vehicles, it is risky." Deputy Municipal Commissioner Dr Sangeeta Hasnale did not respond to mid-day's calls and messages.

mid-day had on January 19 reported that BMC had installed tall dividers on a 450-metre stretch of Maharshi Karve Road opposite Churchgate station, which forced pedestrians to climb onto the divider and cross the road.