Bhoiwada traffic police say that the existing footpath is being encroached upon by hawkers and illegally parked vehicles, making pedestrians use the road; they want civic body to expand the existing road to ease traffic congestion
It looks like citizens are not the only ones who are complaining about the city’s footpaths. The Bhoiwada traffic police have written to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) requesting them that the footpath on Bhatankar Marg in Parel be reduced in width to expand the existing road going towards Dadar.
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Several two-wheelers and four-wheelers are always seen parked on the footpath, along with hawkers selling vegetables and fruits, causing pedestrian traffic to spill over onto the street. Pics/Pradeep Dhivar
In a letter dated April 5, the senior inspector of Bhoiwada traffic police wrote to the BMC saying that the existing footpath near the civic ward office at Parel TT is wider than usual, and hence is riddled with hawkers and illegal parking.
Several two-wheelers and four-wheelers are always seen parked on the footpath along with hawkers selling vegetables and fruits. This leads to pedestrian traffic spilling over onto the street, and obstructs vehicular traffic going towards B A Road.
“Managing traffic on this junction is a major challenge. We have heavy footfall because of Parel station nearby, as well as heavy vehicular traffic going towards KEM Hospital or B A Road. That is why I wrote to the BMC.
I understand that it is not easy for the BMC to expand the road but it needs to be done,” said the senior official from the Bhoiwada traffic police, who did not wish to be named. The official has also complained about a BEST bus stop at this location.
Whenever a bus stops, one side of the road going towards the Elphinstone flyover gets obstructed completely to traffic. The Bhoiwada police had also written to BEST to relocate the bus stop, but that demand met with opposition from locals.
Official speak
When asked whether the traffic police’s demand will be met, sub-engineer of BMC’s roads and traffic department S V Sawant said, “Right now, the city’s comprehensive mobility plan is underway where all roads, bridges and flyovers are being mapped. Any changes now will be done only after the survey is over. It will all have to be a part of the plan.”
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