Mum citizens take traffic troubles head-on

Tragically, it took a life to drive change, but citizens in Marol Maroshi have finally got the attention of the civic and traffic authorities.

- Sabah Virani

MUMBAI: After three days of discussion and negotiations with representatives of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Traffic Police, as well as the local MLA, the Marol Citizens' Welfare Association (MCWA) presented several actionable solutions to help ease the traffic gridlock on the Marol Maroshi Road, a busy arterial road in Marol, Andheri East.

The big win at the meeting on Thursday was an undertaking that two traffic signals would be installed in the locality. The civic authorities also said they would consider relocating hawkers that have encroached on both sides of the road, forcing pedestrians onto the street. This, in turn, has compounded the traffic chaos here.

"During peak hour, it takes an incredible 30 minutes to an hour to navigate the 1-km stretch near Marol Naka," said Satnaam Singh, chairman of the MCWA. "Last July, an ambulance with a heart patient heading to Seven Hills Hospital nearby was stuck in traffic for over 40 minutes. The patient died on the way as the ambulance could not reach the hospital in time. After that, we ramped up our efforts."