Mumbaikars - please help us help ourselves

Mumbaikars - please help us help ourselves

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There has been significant infrastructure development in Mumbai over the past two decades including flyovers, bridges, new link roads, etc. Yet the chaos in Mumbai traffic has remain unchanged. Even as a vast majority continue to blame it on various extraneous factors, the fact is that we lack the basics. If we get the basics right as citizens of this magnificent city, everything will fall into place. I write this based on my experience with other densely populated cities, e.g. Singapore, Hong Kong, Chengdu, etc.? Europe may not be so densely populated but they are the most disciplined.

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This article may not get published in Epaper TimesofIndia or indianexpress.com or Creative Hindustantimes or even Freepressjournal Fpj yet it is my humble endeavour to appeal to all of you. If you can share the propagate this message through social media, many will hear you and some of them will act upon it. Fingers crossed.

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Mumbai, often referred to as the financial capital of India, is a city that never sleeps. The city is known for its fast-paced lifestyle, diverse culture, and of course, its infamous traffic congestion. However, in understanding the root causes of Mumbai's traffic chaos, it is essential to look beyond the sheer number of vehicles on the roads and focus on the underlying factors that exacerbate the situation.

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The chaos in Mumbai traffic can be attributed to honking, indiscipline, corruption, illegal parking, double parking, the condition of roads, the constant repairs, lack of pedestrian infrastructure, the unauthorized vendors and hawkers, and a world-class public transport system which was required ten years ago. Of this, the double-engine government is working hard towards the infrastructure, but the rest of it still needs our focus and resolve.

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Honking is a menace that only causes noise pollution and makes life hell for all the pedestrians on the road or in open spaces. Bumper-to-bumper traffic is NOT going to move just because you honk!? Please stop this horrific practice. Bikers and auto-rickshaws who zigzag and weave their way through the traffic and small gaps between other vehicles need to be hauled up and their licence suspended for a year.

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Indiscipline among motorists and pedestrians is a major contributor to the traffic woes in Mumbai. Overtaking from the wrong side, disregarding traffic signals, lane-cutting, jaywalking and reckless driving are all too common occurrences on the city's roads. This lack of adherence to traffic rules not only leads to congestion but also poses grave risks to public safety. I could have posted so many pictures / videos here of how traffic signals are blatantly disregarded as also the zebra crossings and the STOP line. But they are pointless, because we all know it anyway.

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Moreover, rampant corruption has further compounded the issue. It is an open secret that many motorists often resort to bribery in order to flout traffic rules or evade penalties. This culture of corruption not only undermines the enforcement of traffic regulations but also perpetuates a sense of impunity among offenders. Whereas private vehicles are penalized, transport vehicles including a battalion of tempos and trucks are allowed to park anywhere, anytime, anyplace.

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Illegal parking has also emerged as a significant concern. The limited availability of designated parking spaces and the reluctance of authorities to take strict action against illegal parking contribute to the obstruction of traffic flow, particularly in busy commercial areas. I don’t even want to mention the ‘vanity vans’ of celebrities which are parked in the lanes of colonies such as ours without paying any fee.

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In addition, the deplorable condition of many roads in Mumbai exacerbates the problem. Innumerable Potholes, inexplicable speed breakers, uneven surfaces, and inadequate road maintenance not only impede the smooth movement of vehicles but also lead to increased travel times and vehicle wear and tear.

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Lack of pedestrian infrastructure, including poorly maintained footpaths (where they exist) and the encroachment of walking spaces by unauthorized vendors and hawkers, further add to the chaos on the streets. This not only endangers pedestrians but also leads to a spill-over of pedestrian traffic onto the already congested roadways. The hawkers occupy the foot-paths, then there are two lanes of illegal parking, the pedestrians walk in the third lane.

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To address these challenges, comprehensive measures are required. Strengthening enforcement of traffic regulations, implementing strict penalties for traffic offenders, and promoting a culture of compliance are critical. Simultaneously, there is a need for systemic reforms to curb corruption within the traffic management system and ensure that laws are upheld without bias or favouritism.

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Investment in infrastructure, including the repair and maintenance of roads, the construction of adequate parking facilities, and the development of pedestrian-friendly pathways, is indispensable. Furthermore, urban planning should prioritize the creation of sustainable transportation systems, including well-connected public transportation networks that encourage reduced reliance on personal vehicles.

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Finally, initiatives to regulate and formalize street vending activities can help alleviate pedestrian congestion and contribute to a more organized urban environment. Can we PLEASE implement a ‘pedestrian priority’ system and have the patience to let an ambulance pass? In the former case, we can harm someone and in the latter case, we are definitely permitting a preventable death.

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In conclusion, Mumbai's traffic chaos is a multifaceted issue that cannot be solely attributed to the sheer number of vehicles on its roads. Indiscipline, corruption, illegal parking, poor road conditions, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure collectively exacerbate the congestion and chaos. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach encompassing strict enforcement, infrastructure improvement, and urban planning reforms. Only through concerted efforts and sustained reforms can Mumbai hope to alleviate its traffic woes and pave the way for a more efficient and safer transportation landscape.

Pankaj Latoria

CFO & Board Member at Ravago India Finance is not a support function, its the Backbone of businesses.

8 个月

Few observations from my side too which slows down the traffic - Fast lane used by slow moving vehicles. - 5/7 lanes culminating into two lanes creating a blockage. - Jumping the queue is often, Sion Bridge is a classic example. - The quality of training to drivers is my biggest cause of concern. - Most of the road on bridges built on EEH gives you experience of camel ride. - Patch works and drain covers are engineered to give you a shock therapy. -Entry of heavy to very heavy vehicles during pick office hours is a routine. I have written to Thane CP, ACP along with photographs of trailers creating blockage.. but…. #nitingadkari #eknathshinde #devendrafadnavis

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