Locals, commuters fume after traffic dept temporarily bars motorcycles from new GMLR flyover, which earned BMC a rap from CM on Day 1
Bikers won’t be allowed on the stretch till October 1. Pics/Rajesh Gupta
Amid criticism that BMC has been facing for the uneven surface of the Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road (GMLR), where accidents have taken place since it was inaugurated, the traffic police have now decided to ban two-wheelers on the stretch for a month. This becomes the fifth flyover in the city, after the Eastern Freeway, JJ flyover, BKC connector and Sea Link, where motorcycles won’t be allowed.
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While transport experts and motorists have supported the move, the bikers are now a miffed lot. The GMLR has been embroiled in controversy since it was opened up for traffic. Within a month of opening, the flyover witnessed about 30 accidents. The BMC had temporarily shut the bridge for road resurfacing work but now it has been thrown open only for motorists. Bikers won’t be allowed till October 1.
“We believe over-speeding and rain are leading to the accidents on the bridge, so let’s hope the situation improves after monsoon,” said a traffic police officer. “We are planning to set up a chowky at the bridge to strengthen surveillance. The BMC will also implement some safety measures,” he added.
Mushtaq Ansari, whistleblower on road safety, said, “This is a good decision as bikers are not adhering to the speed limit on the bridge. The maximum speed limit for vehicles on the stretch is 50 km/hr but people go beyond that. The bikers drive too rashly and don’t follow safety measures. Like it’s for the BKC connector and JJ flyover, bikers should be banned here too.”
Yogesh Ambe, road safety expert, said, “If the authorities think that banning bikers from the stretch will stop the damage it causes to motorists, then it is a welcome move. But the question is whether they will use this time to study the risk factors, speed management and enforcement. If bikers are being stopped from using the road just to avoid criticism then it has no logic.”
The traffic police believe over-speeding and rain are leading to the accidents. Pic/Rajesh Gupta
Speaking to mid-day, Kishor Shinde, in-charge, Mankhurd traffic division, said, “The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure. Work on the flyover is on and it will make the stretch safer for bikers.” When asked what they think of the decision, commuter Sajid Khan from Shivaji Nagar said, “For whatever reason the authorities are banning bikers on the stretch applies to cars as well. The problem is the road and not the bikers. They are saying it’s for a month, but I fear they will continue with it. Once the road is fixed, bikers should be allowed.”
Another biker, Mehfooz Khan said, “Even if bikers are not allowed on the bridge for a month, it will cost us more time and fuel. If authorities think that accidents are happening due to over-speeding, they should work on checking it. Banning bikers is not an option.”
The order
It is a no entry for two-wheelers, heavy motor vehicles, goods vehicles, buses, cyclists and pedestrians. Parking and halting of all types of vehicles shall be prohibited. No U-turns should be taken from the gaps on the bridge in both directions. Speed limit for motor vehicles shall be between 30km/hr and 50 km/hr as per the signboard on the bridge. These restrictions will remain till October 1.
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