The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has successfully removed over 33,922 barricades installed at metro sites to ease the traffic congestion amid monsoon. The removal has resulted in the clearing of nearly 85 kilometres of two-way roads.
They were initially placed for the smooth operation of construction work at metro corridors during the monsoon season. However, on several routes even after the completion of works the barricades continued to block the roads.
The MMRDA has been working on the construction of a 337-kilometre metro network in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. As part of this project, barricades were placed along 152.86 kilometres of metro lines. This included lines 2B, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7A, and 9.
Around 60% of these barricades have been successfully taken down. The MMRDA focused on key areas such as the Eastern Express Highway, Western Express Highway (WEH), Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), V.N. Purav Marg in Chembur Naka, New Link Road, Gulmohar Road, MG Road, Ghodbunder Road, Kapur Bawdi, Balkum, Dahisar, Mira Road, Bhayander, Thane, Teen Hat Naka, JVLR, Infinity Mall, Powai, Kanjurmarg and Mankhurd along the under-construction Metro lines.
Over 33,000 barricades have been removed within a month and will continue to review the project and barricades every 15 days, said MMRDA commissioner.
Recognising that barricades are necessary for citizen safety during construction projects, MMRDA has taken measures to install them in a way that occupies minimal space on the road. As a result, wider roads of over 8 kilometers in length are now available at specific locations, ensuring smoother traffic flow. This restructuring effort involved modifying a total of 3,352 barricades, MMRDA mentioned in its official statement.
Throughout the construction process, the MMRDA tried to strike a balance between the need for barricades and minimising inconvenience to the public. Their approach was that the barricades occupied the least amount of space on the road. As a result, several areas experienced broader roadways, expanding over eight kilometres. This contributed to improved traffic flow and reduced congestion.
Apart from the barricade removal, the MMRDA has undertaken additional measures to improve efficiency during the monsoon season. The authority focused on addressing road-related issues, such as timely pothole repairs.
Moreover, the MMRDA installed motor pumps in waterlogging-prone areas to allow effective drainage. This will prevent water accumulation and subsequent disruptions to traffic. To promptly address any grievances or concerns of the citizens, the MMRDA has also established a 24-hour emergency control room.
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