‘Better traffic management needed at Gladys Alwares rd to avoid mishaps’

Thane: Residents of upper middle class enclaves along the Gladys Alwares road in Thane have called for better traffic management on the first model road of the city. Citing few recent mishaps on the stretch, residents have offered to identify problems at specific spots and help formulate a solution.
The nearly 2-km long road that links few important localities in the city has been witnessing mishaps in the recent past following which residents have intensified their demand for safety measures to be inculcated before a big tragedy hits. Residents lament that three near fatal mishaps have reported on the stretch due to improper traffic management including speeding, haphazard parking of heavy vehicles and absence of police personnel at specific points.

T N Raghunatha, Secretary, Eden Woods Complex complains that the stretch especially outside his complex has witnessed few accidents in the recently. “We have seen two mishaps in the last six days. A residents of our complex was hit by a speeding car while she was trying to cross the road to enter the complex. Fortunately, she survived the mishap but has suffered multiple fractures,” said Raghunatha.

Local residents and activists lament inaction on part of the authorities to prevent the elderly and children from meeting with possible accidents. The locals claim to have sought intervention of the municipal authorities to erect speed breakers at adequate stretches to check speeding vehicles and prevent mishaps. There are several breakers installed but their haphazard locations haven’t served any purpose, laments Raghunatha.

“The road is considered to be a model one but it urgently needs a massive overhaul in terms of how traffic is managed. Pedestrians have a horrible time just trying to cross the huge junctions especially at Vasant Vihar, Ghanekar and Khevra Circle. All those who drive recklessly on this road should keep in mind this is not a highway,” said an elderly citizen from the area.

Former mayor and corporator H S Patil who stays nearby and represented the area fears for possible mishaps at the Kashinath Ghanekar junction that sees several roads converging. “A signal system or traffic constable should be immediately deployed at the Ghanekar junction,” he said.

It may be noted the Gladys Alwares road that saw an overhaul in the 2011-13 was revamped with the intention of setting an example for other stretches in the metropolis.

The TMC had spent over Rs 40 cr to upgrade this stretch from a two-lane stretch to a six-lane one to ensure faster disposal of traffic but has apparently failed to make adequate traffic management systems like speed breakers at adequate spots and install signals.

When contacted, a municipal officer said they will look into the issue and will discuss the same with the traffic department to ensure any mishap-prone zone is made safe for both pedestrians and motorists in the area.