August 13, 2025: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has commenced dismantling the cycling tracks in the Bandra–Kurla Complex (BKC) to create space for an additional motor vehicle lane. The works, covering a 9-kilometre stretch built in 2021, form part of a wider road-widening and traffic management initiative for the city’s key financial hub. The dismantling and utility-shifting project, estimated at Rs 25 crore, will convert the existing 2+2 lane roads into a 3+3 lane configuration.
Officials stated that the decision was prompted by worsening congestion, with daily traffic in BKC now approaching six lakh commuters. The cycle tracks were found to be under-utilised and frequently misused as informal parking, while vehicular volumes have surged beyond projections, particularly since the closure of the Sion bridge. Authorities expect the road realignment to improve peak-hour travel times by up to 40%, reducing journeys from 25 minutes to around 15, and cutting signal wait times from 10 to 7 minutes. Idle-time carbon dioxide emissions are also projected to fall by 30%.
The traffic management strategy, devised in consultation with the Mumbai Traffic Police, also includes implementing a one-way circulation system on internal roads in BKC. The plan was approved following a meeting of the MMRDA, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), metro rail representatives, traffic police, and other stakeholders. The widened roads are expected to accommodate an additional 600 to 900 vehicles per lane.
While some office-goers have welcomed the move, citing the cycle tracks’ impracticality and the need for more road space, several transport experts have warned that road widening alone may not offer a lasting solution. They argue that without concurrent investment in public transport and non-motorised travel infrastructure, the changes could simply encourage more car use. Authorities aim to complete the conversion before the onset of heavy festival season traffic.
Source: Prop Time News
