Mumbai’s roads have rarely appeared as roomy as they did yesterday. Gone were the typical traffic snarls. That, however, was small solace for students and office goers, as the sparsity of taxis and autos, especially in the early morning hours, proved particularly perturbing. In the western suburbs — especially in areas like Kandivli, Borivli, Kalanagar and Andheri — auto rickshaws were a rare sight. Only a few share-a-rickshaws were plying, picking and dropping people to nearest railway stations. Nishit Mehta, a resident of Andheri, said, “For once I reached the railway station in 10 minutes, which on normal days takes at least 25minutes”.

Foot soldiers! In the western suburbs — especially in areas like Kandivli, Borivli, Kalanagar and Andheri — auto rickshaws were a rare sight. Only a few share-a-rickshaws were plying, picking and dropping people to nearest railway stations. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar