Sir,
A welcome and most timely decision by Mr.R. R. Patil, Dy. C.M. He seems to have “Vision for Mumbai’. He has declared of setting up an Encroachment Prevention Committee headed by Municipal Commissioner, Police Commissioner and other Departments. But what is most needed is proper understanding at top level between the Chief Minister who heads the Urban Development Deptt.(B.M.C.) and Dy. C.M. who heads the Home Deptt.(Police).
Because just a few days ago; C.M. advised B.M.C to go slow on unauthorized hawkers in Mumbai, and R.R. Patil talks about complete eviction of unauthorized construction / Slums ?
Even now, it is never too late to stop the collapse and downfall of Mumbai, if the C.M., Dy. C. M. (read Mun. Commr., B.M.C. & Commr. of police) means real business( sincerity). Yhis can be done if officers like G.R. Khairnar, T. Chandrashekhar, and Chandrashekhar Rokde & others are given appropriate postings and authority.
This is the first step, most required, if we want Mumbai to come somewhat near Shanghai or even Surat.
Dilip Devare
C-504,Nav-Asavari,
J.B.Nagar, Andheri-E, Mumbai-40053.
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To,
Shri. Vilasrao Deshmukh 5'th Nov. 2004
Hon. Chief Minister M.S.
Steps to improve the traffic conditions in Mumbai
Few Quick Wins for Feel Good factor in Mumbai.
The most important daily concern of Mumbai citizens is the unbearable traffic congestion on the roads and footpaths. Presently, MMRDA, MSRDC (PWD) and BMC are taking up many road widening, digging and concreting projects. Spending large amount of funds on this so called MUTP / MUIP projects. Firstly, these projects would take long time to complete, and in the meantime cause great hardships to the citizens due to the traffic jams, particularly in the rainy season (June/July). These Projects has already worsened traffic conditions on important roads like JVLR ,SCLR ,Eastern and Western Express Highway. LBS Road, S.V. Road, link roads, etc.
What is the real need of the hour is to make the present encroached roads free for traffic movement and pedestrians. There are 10 lakh motorist and 75 lakh pedestrians who commute daily on Mumbai roads. The quality of Mumbai roads is by and large good compared to the state/national road standards (except in the rainy season). It is suggested to take below mentioned steps for improvement of traffic which will be “quick wins” for the Govt. and provide a “feel good” factor for the Mumbaikars.
1. The efficiency (output) of most of the arterial roads is reduced from 3 or 2 lanes to one lane only due to the presence of the slums, shops, hawkers and other obstacles (wrongly parked vehicles, etc.) along the roads. Hence, instead of giving priority to the expensive widening or concreting of the roads, it is better if the encroachments are simply shifted and rehabilitated, so that the efficiency of the roads/footpaths can be increased by 3 times without spending anything on the road construction. (And it is faster). For example P. DeMello Road, N.M. Joshi Marg, S. V. Road, Linking Road, Senapati Bapat Marg all can be freed and ‘widened’ just by removing encroachments.
2. The recent judgment of the Supreme Court on the issue of hawkers should be implemented in word and spirit by the BMC. This will have a dramatic effect in easing the traffic congestion on several important roads leading to railway stations. However to do this we will need a dynamic Municipal Commissioner.
3. Identify small connecting roads (links) where there are always traffic jams like Saki Naka, Juhu gulli, Telli Gulli, and most of the roads near railway stations/markets. By taking urgent traffic engineering methods, this situation can be improved. There is a Traffic Engg. Dept. in BMC and Traffic Police but there is no coordination between them. Otherwise a lot of solutions can be found to many traffic problems by simple Road Engineering methods. Road Dividers must be put on all the important roads, which will give a good look to the road and separate two way vehicular traffic, and the pedestrians.(less accidents too)
4. There is an urgent need to tow away wrongly parked vehicles including taxis/autos as these vehicles block one lane of the road traffic. It is suggested to have about 500 policemen with motorcycles and towing cranes to bring discipline on all the roads (particularly in the suburbs). Simultaneously, there is a need to set up Pay & Park facility on all the important roads at 400 to 500 metres distance. These “pay and park stations” can be set up below various Bus Depots, Railway Stations, public gardens, playgrounds, etc. on BOT basis. These measures will not cost the Govt. or BMC anything, but will fetch handsome regular revenue. For example, near Siddhi Vinayak Temple there is always crowd, a pay and park station can be set up below the existing garden. Several such locations (underground) can be found at various railway stations / crowded public places / (Cinema theatres) all on B.O.T. basis.
Finally, it is suggested that instead of spending large funds or Loans on the road widening or concreting of roads or even the Grandiose and Expensive METRO- RAIL PLAN (increasing inconvenience to Mumbaikar’s traffic congestion), it would be better to spend this amount only for removal of the encroachment of slums and shops by shifting them providing alternate House / shops and freeing Roads for traffic and citizens movement.
Good Wishes,
Yours sincerely,
( Madhu Sawant),
" I CLEAN MUMBAI "