In the third part of our campaign on roads in Mumbai, we check the concretisation work being done in the island city. and find citizens fed up of the incessant traffic jams
Hughes Road, Grant Road (West)
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Work began: In April 2013
Expected to be completed: By May 30, 2014
Ground reality: The entire stretch has been dug up to convert it into a concrete street. The two-lane road has been reduced to a single lane, causing a major bottleneck in the area. With the onset of monsoon, waterlogging is only going to worsen the problem.
Corporator says: Anil Singh, area corporator, said, “We had been to the area just a week ago to get a complete report. Work will be completed before the monsoons, including the footpaths. If a patch or two are left behind by chance, it will be taken care of later and would not affect movement during the rains.”
Also read: Concrete roads, but no concrete deadlines in Mumbai's western suburbs
Since a single lane is open for vehicles going in both directions, traffic jams are giving motorists headaches. Pics/Bipin Kokate
BMC speak
Parag Masurkar, the assistant municipal commissioner of this ward, said, “The BMC’s central agency Roads department takes care of all capital work of road construction. We are entitled to maintain the road.”
Also read: Mumbai's eastern suburbs face a rough ride this monsoon
Voices
Ramesh Rambade, a student who commutes daily on this road
The road construction is causing major traffic jams during peak hours. Motorists and pedestrians in the area are fed up.
Shailesh Sapliga, a resident
This work is causing a major nuisance. Apart from traffic jams, it also leads to waterlogging in the area.
Near Tata Garden, Warden Road
Work began: Four months ago
Expected to be completed: Within 15 days
Ground reality: This stretch from Kemps Corner to Breach Candy Hospital is also being concretised. The road has been excavated and traffic jams are a regular feature since the narrow one-way lane now serves vehicles going in both directions. While the contractor on the spot said that work would be completed in 15 days, it seems highly unlikely.
While the on-site contractor said the work would be over before the rains, the BMC says the job would be completed by the beginning of next year
Corporator says: Local corporator Sarita Patil said, “We have spoken to the BMC authorities and sent complaint letters to the commissioner as well. The mayor has visited the site and a penalty will be levied on the contractor if work won’t be completed.”
BMC speak
Parag Masurkar, assistant municipal commissioner of D ward, said, “Work will only be completed next year in the month of January or February. It will be stopped during the monsoon. Since it’s a long process, it is regular practice to pause work during the rains.”
Voices
Vijay Shah, a daily commuter
This is a busy street and the dug-up roads lead to huge traffic jams. And now the rains will compound our problems.
Jagram Gupta, local vegetable vendor
If the road isn’t finished before the rains, pedestrians and motorists will face huge problems.
Near Inox, Nariman Point
Work began: One month ago
Expected to be completed: Within 15 days
Ground reality: This one-way lane is undergoing concretisation in one patch of the road. Since it is a one-way road, it does not cause many problems to commuters and work is expected to be finished within 15 days.
This is one of the few places where ongoing work hasn’t hampered vehicle movement as much
Corporator says: Sushma Salunkhe, the corporator of this area, said, “We know that the work is going on. It will be completed in a week’s time. The contractors will have to work faster.”
BMC speak
Assistant Municipal Commissioner Devidas Kshirsagar said he is currently not aware of the status, as he was on leave.
Voices
Phoolchand Pal, a taxi driver in the area
Since this is a one-way lane, there isn’t much of an issue now. But, if conversion is not completed before monsoons, it might cause waterlogging.
Insaar Ali, a regular commuter
The BMC is least concerned about the plight of the commuters. They always find time for construction only when the monsoon is around the corner.
Opposite Mahalaxmi bus stop
Work began: One month ago
Expected to be completed: By May 20, 2014
Ground reality: Storm water drain work is going on in this stretch. The site is completely excavated in the middle of the road, with huge barricades on both sides, leaving very little room for vehicles to pass. Severe traffic congestions are noticed as a result.
With storm water drain work on right in the middle of the road, there is very little space left for vehicles to pass, causing traffic jams every single day
Corporator says: Sarita Patil, corporator of the area said complaint letters had been sent to the commissioner. Even the mayor had visited the site and the contractor would attract a penalty if work isn’t completed on time.
BMC speak
Parag Masurkar, D ward officer, said, “The storm water drainage project is also part of the same scheme. We will have to speak to the Roads department to gauge the progress of the work.”
Voices
Harshad Parab, a daily commuter on the road
The work is causing major traffic problems to commuters. The traffic jam and delays bother us every day.
Shivaji Pillai, works at nearby Breach Candy Hospital
I fear for waterlogging in the area if the work is not completed in time.
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