IN PHOTOS: Traffic chaos in Chikuwadi as roadworks disrupt daily life for Borivli residents

Multiple roads in Chikuwadi, Borivli, are being dug up simultaneously, causing severe disruption to local residents, motorists, and pedestrians. Locals are opting to take a 5-6 km detour via Gorai to avoid the traffic chaos in Chikuwadi. (PICS/Nimesh Dave)

Updated On: 2024-12-26 12:39 PM IST

Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava

(PICS/Nimesh Dave)

The Shimpoli Telephone Exchange signal has become the epicentre of traffic congestion due to ongoing roadwork. Three out of four roads at the Shimpoli Telephone Exchange junction have been dug up, significantly worsening traffic jams during peak hours.

The excavation site at the intersection further exacerbates the gridlock, creating a near-constant standstill of vehicles. The New Link Road, a vital arterial road connecting Kandivli, Borivli, and Dahisar, is dug up on both northbound and southbound stretches near the Shimpoli Telephone Exchange signal.

The ongoing excavation on the northbound road has reduced the traffic lanes from two to one, causing delays of up to 20-25 minutes during peak hours. The eastbound section of Kanti Park Road, which leads to the Shimpoli signal, has been completely dug up, causing bottlenecks and standstills.
Large vehicles and BEST buses often get stuck on narrow stretches of Kanti Park Road, making congestion worse and delaying travel. On Shimpoli Road, one lane in each direction has been dug up, forcing vehicles to share a single lane on a busy route.
The independent excavation site on the northern end of Link Road at the junction adds to the mounting traffic problems. Chikuwadi Road has two dug-up sections, including one completely closed to traffic, further complicating travel in the area.
The intersection where Link Road meets RM Bhattad Road is completely closed to traffic, forcing drivers to find alternate routes, which adds to the congestion. Emergency access to nearby Phoenix Hospital is compromised as critical patients face delays due to the traffic chaos around the Shimpoli signal.

Senior PI Lokre of MHB Colony traffic division confirmed that roadwork has led to significant traffic disruptions, and diversions are being implemented to mitigate the situation. Civic activist Gopal Javeri suggests better project planning with visible start and end dates for roadwork, as well as GPS alerts for ongoing projects to help citizens avoid the affected areas.

Local resident Bharti Dave now takes a 5.5 km detour instead of the usual 2.5 km, to avoid the snarled roads around Shimpoli. Pedestrians are at risk as bikers often ride on footpaths, endangering people walking in the area during traffic gridlocks.
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