A recent mid-day survey revealed a concerning number of unmarked speed breakers in the city’s major arteries, increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially at night. (Inputs from Ranjeet Jadhav, Rajendra B. Aklekar and Sameer Surve) (Pics/Ashish Raje, Nimesh Dave)
Updated On: 2024-10-25 06:34 PM IST
Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande
Between 2013 and 2021, a total of 4,514 people (3,780 men and 734 women) died in road accidents in Mumbai. Shockingly, 2,326 (51 per cent) of these victims were pedestrians, followed by 1,142 (25 per cent) bikers and 493 pillion riders. Additionally, 190 car drivers and 111 co-passengers were also killed
“Cheap acrylic paints are applied instead of durable reflective coatings, causing the markings to wear off within ten days. Polyurethane coatings, as specified by the Indian Road Congress, should be used,” he emphasised
mid-day filed a Right to Information (RTI) query to obtain data on road accidents, fatalities and injuries in Mumbai between 2013 and 2023. In response, the Mumbai Traffic Police provided data from 2013 to 2021
During a visit to the Lokhandwala Back Road in Andheri West, we noticed that the speed breakers on the route towards the Oshiwara depot signal via Millat Nagar lacked visible white markings
“The speed breakers may be necessary, but they are badly constructed. They scrape the chassis of cars even when driven over at a very slow speed,” said activist Gaurang Damani
On the Ghatkopar-Andheri Link Road, between Saki Naka and Asalpha Metro stations, there are at least three speed breakers on a 1-km stretch, all of which are damaged and unmarked
Residents have expressed concerns and believe the BMC should prioritise painting the speed breakers with visible white stripes to enhance night-time visibility and help prevent accidents
The Indian Road Congress recommends speed breakers should have a radius of 17 metres, a height of 10 cm and a width of 3.7 metres to maintain a vehicle speed of 25 kmph for the general traffic
There are specifications for the size of speed breakers based on the road size. Speed breakers are usually constructed at pedestrian crossings
However, all speed breakers must be painted like zebra crossings so they are visible to motorists and avoid last-minute confusion,” said Girish Arekar, a council member of the Indian Road Congress
A Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation official stated that speed breakers are constructed after receiving applications and suggestions from local residents and authorities. Once the applications are received, inputs are taken, and the traffic police division is consulted
