BMC survey suggests Mahalaxmi Bridge footpath be reduced by 1.8 metres
If you are taking Keshavrao Khade Marg, a three-lane road from Haji Ali to Mahalaxmi station road connecting to Dr E Moses Road, to reach home during the evening peak hour, then in the coming months you might save 10-15 minutes, thanks to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Traffic department.
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The BMC is likely to reduce the size of the footpath in the next six months to reduce commuters’ traffic woes. Pic/ Satyajit Desai
The department recently conducted a survey to decongest peak-hour traffic, especially during the evening hours and suggested that the size of the footpath on this road should be reduced by 1.8 metres. This will ease traffic as it will give commuters enough room to maneuver their vehicles on the road, a BMC official said.
According to the survey, about 21,322 vehicles use this three-lane road from 8 am to 8 pm. Of these, 13,748 are taxis while 6,063 are two-wheelers. About 3,204 people walk on the footpath. According to a civic official, the road leading to Mahalaxmi station near the Racecourse entrance is about 90 feet whereas at the station’s signal it shrinks to approximately 60 feet. As a result, every vehicle has to spend at least 15 minutes to cross the Mahalaxmi signal, a civic official said.
Currently the footpath near the Racecourse on the Mahalaxmi Bridge is about five metres and if it is decreased by 1.8 metres, then it would save pedestrians some precious time. “Even if it is reduced by two metres, people will get at least three metres, which is sufficient if we see the pedestrian flow on that side of the footpath,” said an official.
The Traffic department has sent a survey with the proposal to the local ward office to complete further formalities. Keshav Ubale, assistant commissioner of the G-south ward, said, “I have received the proposal just two days before. It’s a good suggestion and will surely help reduce north-bound traffic congestion in peak hours. We are working on it and if all goes well, it should be in place in the next six months.”
Rahul Shewale, chairman of the standing committee, is also in favour of the widening of the Khade Marg. “If the proposal comes to the standing committee, then we will give our consent,” said Shewale. u00a0
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