A newly opened shortcut road connecting Mumbai University’s Gate 1 to the UTI building in Bharat Nagar, Kalina, has provided some relief to motorists but continues to face criticism because essential work remains unfinished. The route was developed to ease congestion at Kapadia Nagar Junction, but its premature opening has created difficulties for commuters.
Although the road is now accessible to the public, it was initially opened without basic facilities, including road dividers, streetlights and a properly developed entry point near Mumbai University’s Gate 1. These shortcomings raised concerns among residents and regular road users about commuter safety and the quality of the infrastructure.
A report published by a news agency on January 9 highlighted the incomplete work and brought the matter to the attention of civic authorities. Residents believe the coverage helped prompt officials to resume construction, resulting in the road being partially completed with a newly concreted stretch now available for public use.
However, some sections still require attention, and questions remain over the time taken to complete the project.
AV Shenoy, an activist with Mumbai Vikas Samithi, said the earlier condition of the road made access difficult for motorists. He noted that the newly concreted stretch had improved entry and offered commuters an alternative to the congestion on the Western Express Highway (WEH), particularly during peak hours.
“Earlier, the road had been full of pebbles, and it was impossible to have a smooth entry, but now, since the civic body opened up the road completely, it has helped commuters a lot. It gives us a smooth entry onto the shortcut, providing an escape from the traffic on the WEH during peak traffic hours.”
Jitendra Gupta, a member of the Citizens Transport Committee, questioned the prolonged delay and sought clarity on the reasons behind it.
“Even though a part of the road has been opened, the question which persists is why there has been a delay. Is it because of encroachment or some other reason. The delay will only lead to public money going down the drain.”
Source: Mid-day
