Worried about the poor response, company that operates toll booth sends SMSes about benefits of the route and urges people to start using it
Worried about the poor response, company that operates toll booth sends SMSes about benefits of the route and urges people to start using it
The majestic Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL) was touted as one of the best things to have happened to motorists.
Despite a Rs 50 toll, it promised a hassle-free journey to commuters in just seven minutes. Yet, there are few takers.
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TOLL MESSAGE: The SMS urging people to use the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. |
"We had expected 45,000 commuters to use the engineering marvel everyday, but only 25,000 people are using the BWSL.
Since slashing the toll price is not feasible, we are sending SMSes and urging people to use the BWSL," said a Mumbai Entry Point Limited (MEPL) official.
The MEPL operates the toll booths at the Sea Link.
The MEPL sent out text messages two days back that read, 'Save up to one litre petrol everyday, use the Bandra Worli Sea Link road'.
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The official added, "Using the BWSL not only saves time, but also fuel and money. We want to give the best facilities to commuters, but we need more traffic on the BWSL."
Commuters, however, say the authorities must iron out all problems before expecting people to use the BWSL.
"I crossed the BWSL in 10 minutes, but the roads leading out at the Bandra end were so crowded that I had to waste 20 minutes and lots of fuel.
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I would have taken the same time had I taken the alternate route," said chartered accountant Nilesh Chhadva (31).
Businessman Atique Memon (26), said, "I believe it's the price that's keeping most people away. The authorities could have started with low rates and then raised the price. But Rs 50 is a lot for many commuters."
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Memon, who pays a two-way toll of Rs 75 everyday to travel to office in Khar, added, "But it's only a matter of time before more people start using the BWSL. People will do anything to save time."
Short of NumbersCost of constructing the BWSL: Rs 1,634 crore
Motorists who use the BWSL daily: 25,000
Projected number of motorists every day: 45,000
Toll income (annual estimate at the current rate): Rs 60 crore
Expected annual toll target: u00a0Rs 90 crore
