Traffic police install railings at Marine Drive to stop jaywalking

The city traffic police are in the process of constructing railings on the divider along Marine Drive to stop people from jaywalking across the stretch and prevent accidents.

After two women were run over by cars while crossing the road at Marine Drive recently, the traffic police had written to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in March to construct railings on the divider along the stretch. According to the traffic police, the construction of the railings on the 3.6-km stretch – from the Girgaum-end near Taraporewala Aquarium, up till Intercontinental Hotel – will be completed within the next week.

Joint commissioner of police (traffic), Amitesh Kumar, said while identifying black spots across the city, the police noticed a trend of jaywalking along the Marine Drive road. “We had pointed out several accident-prone spots where pedestrians cross roads by jumping over dividers. After this, we suggested railings be installed and height of dividers be increased so that the view of the opposite lane is not obstructed,” said Kumar.

Earlier in March, 27-year-old medical student, Dipali Lahamate, who was on her way to her younger brother’s convocation, was run over by a speeding car at Marine Drive while she was crossing the road. A month later, 17-year-old Malad resident, Saylee Rajput, died when she was hit by an unidentified vehicle while crossing the road.

Officers said the plan was presented before the heritage panel members in April who visited the site and approved the railings. Another traffic police officer said since the road is straight, vehicles tend to speed. “As there are only a few crossings, pedestrians cross the dividers to reach the promenade, leading to accidents.”

Apart from railings, the traffic police have sought help from volunteers to stop people from jaywalking. “We tried using ropes to discipline people crossing the Marine Drive road to get to the promenade, but that did not work. Now we have instructed volunteers to deter people from jumping over dividers to prevent accidents,” said Kumar. The police will keep a watch to see if the railings are effective.