Residents of upscale South Mumbai neighborhoods have expressed serious concerns about increasing traffic congestion in Nepean Sea Road, Malabar Hill, and Breach Candy. They have urged the municipal corporation to take immediate action.
In a joint statement, residents pointed out that Breach Candy is one of the city’s oldest residential areas. It is home to numerous buildings, temples, hospitals, schools, banks, commercial establishments, as well as a large number of street vendors and hawkers. Additionally, the Coastal Road interchange and a proposed underground parking project for 250 cars have further worsened the situation.
According to residents, traffic congestion has reached an alarming level. Covering a distance of just 2 km now takes 30 to 45 minutes during peak hours. Daily traffic jams on the narrow roads of Breach Candy, with vehicles lined up on both sides, have significantly affected the quality of life in this premium locality.
Proposed Solutions
As a possible solution, residents have suggested that there is adequate space on Nepean Sea Road to create an additional entry and exit point for the Coastal Road, without affecting nearby gardens or buildings. They also noted that this access point was included in the 2017 plan but has not yet been implemented for unknown reasons.
Residents have urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to urgently reconsider this additional access/exit route. They believe that opening this route, in addition to the existing Tata Garden access, would provide direct connectivity to the Coastal Road for residents of Malabar Hill, Nepean Sea Road, and Breach Candy, thereby easing traffic congestion.
Furthermore, residents have launched a petition and appealed for more citizens to support the demand, so that normalcy can be restored to daily life in the area.
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