Mumbai: Heavy traffic witnessed across the city post-2 km-rule

On Monday afternoon, June 29, many commuters complained of heavy traffic in Mumbai from various parts of the city. Many people were seen on the streets, mostly with their private vehicles or two-wheelers.

Several people took to Twitter and spoke of the ordeal they were facing. Videos emerged from the Western Express Highway, Mulund Check Naka, Vashi, Malad, Andheri, Sion and others where traffic can be observed on the streets. The netizens further spoke of the recent 2 km rule which is being implemented by the Mumbai Police, which has resulted in the overcrowding.

Many check post today in #Mumbai causing a traffic havoc. Asking proof of travel if you are going for more than 2km of your home add. #Mumbaitraffic at Dahiser, Kandivali, Malad, Andheri, Mulund, Chembur, Sion, Hindmata.. Many vehicles seized @mumbaitraffic @RidlrMUM @republic pic.twitter.com/A4lBXbg8he

— Gaurav Dedhia (@gauravdedhia2) June 29, 2020

The Mumbai Police had earlier prohibited people to venture 2 km away from their houses unless they are to attend work or tend to a medical emergency. Mumbai Police had warned people of the consequences adding that they would be punished if they were caught roaming about in their vehicles without any good reason. Furthermore, the Mumbai Police had also seized more than 7,000 vehicles earlier to put across their message clearly.

The reason for this stringent measure undertaken by the police lies in the fact that the citizens of Mumbai have been overcrowding on the beaches and markets, often disrupting the protocols of social distancing. According to the Mumbai Police, certain guidelines are to be maintained while venturing out; these include, outdoor activities to be restricted to essential services only, gyms or saloons to be accessed within the radius, face masks to be worn at all times, night curfew is to be maintained, vehicles must not be plying around without a good reason or they can be impounded.

On Sunday, the police had seized 7,075 vehicles during the day as people in the city began to crowd the streets with large numbers of vehicles. The state government had earlier given several necessary permissions to the citizens for essential work. Also, several rules have been laid down pertaining to it. However, citizens need to abide by these rules or they are to face consequences.