While there are buses, the unorganised chaos outside Bandra East Railway station makes it difficult for people to get transport in the rain. Photos Courtesy: Nascimento Pinto
The access is a stark contrast to its western sister, known as the ‘Queen of Suburbs’. Unfortunately, ever since Bandra East has developed into a business district extending to Bandra Kurla Complex, it makes travel stressful as people run helter-skelter on the narrow roads.
The fact that it has a shared fare is an argument for another day, for starters, even getting transport on a regular day seems like an uphill task like today. It only gets worse because it is extremely filthy speaks of how much attention is given to civic issues in the city.
While the yelling of 'MHADA, Guru Nanak, Government Colony, Family Court' is absent on rainy days because they are stuck in traffic, commuters travelling from all over including the infamous Virar local train on the western line or from Kalwa, Mumbra and beyond on the Central line, have to deal with chaos.
People not only have to dodge potholes and flooding but also run along the stretch to be able to get one auto-rickshaw travelling towards their offices. As they dodge traffic police, people are busy running across to get the last fourth seat.
While Bandra West boasts of a dedicated rickshaw line, the East side has one that only goes to BKC and any other location on the route. Even that has a catch. While the average fare is Rs 20 to the closest location, it is Rs 30 for BKC but if you want to go faster, then there is a separate line that charges Rs 40, which is shorter than the previous line. Those who are in a hurry shell out the extra Rs 10.
Even as BKC office-goers have the option of a rickshaw line, there isn't much for those traveling to Kala Nagar, Guru Nanak Hospital, or the Collectorate office. There are neither rickshaws available by metre nor in abundance. Additionally, there is no dedicated rickshaw line, which means commuters either have to chase a rickshaw and jump in or rely on familiarity to get one immediately and reach their workplace in time.
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