On a Sunday evening, the long-awaited BKC-Chunabhatti flyover was inaugurated for public use. Maharashtra Caretaker Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has tweeted about the same, stating it will cut the commute time by 30 minutes.
In public interest, I declare that BKC-Chunabhatti Connector (flyover) stands open from today evening.
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) November 10, 2019
With this, Mumbaikars will now save 30 minutes travel time & avoid traffic congestion at Dharavi and Sion junctions.#Mumbai #mumbaitraffic #flyover #Mumbaikar pic.twitter.com/GvrNDIgOrD
While the flyover attempts to reduce traffic congestion near Dharavi, Sion, the BKC-Chunabhatti flyover has met with a mixed response from commuters amid authorities’ decision to ban entry of two-wheelers and autos on the route. Earlier, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had tweeted that the route was 'Open For All',
#MMRDAUpdate
— MMRDA (@MMRDAOfficial) November 10, 2019
अभिनंदन मुंबईकर!
आपला बीकेसी कडे जाणारा प्रवास आणखी सोयीस्कर होत आहे.#BKC #Chunabhatti #Connector pic.twitter.com/crbEIQJmff
However, rickshaw drivers and motorists have argued that cars and taxis are allowed on the route but MMRDA has disallowed two-wheelers and autorickshaws. Further, trucks and trailers have also been barred from using the bridge, even as BEST and other tourist buses are allowed.
MMRDA, on the other hand, has clarified that the ban has been put into effect following the directives of the Mumbai Traffic Police. But the explanation does not provide any assurance to thousands of affected bikers and office-goers who were looking forward to a shorter journey.
Office-goers who opt for auto-rickshaws have said that they will be forced to opt for a different means of transport to go to their offices now. Alongside, auto drivers and their unions have deemed the move as ‘unfair’ as it gives an edge to cab aggregators.