Authorities have unveiled a comprehensive traffic management plan that includes implementing a one-way traffic system across important roads in the area and turning underutilised cycle tracks into additional vehicle lanes in a significant effort to alleviate the increasing traffic congestion in the busy Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) area.
The MMRDA states that in order to increase the width of the current roads, a number of underutilised bike lanes throughout BKC will be converted into car lanes. It is anticipated that this upgrade will result in an increase in traffic capacity of 600 to 900 vehicles per lane. To make the extension easier, supporting infrastructure such trees, bus stops, lamps, signboards, and landscaped features will be moved to the walkways.
“This project will widen the current carriageway by removing the cycle track, resulting in a 50% increase in lane capacity from 2+2 lanes to 3+3 lanes. According to an official, this improvement is anticipated to cut the average travel time during peak hours from 25 minutes to 15 minutes, saving 10 minutes and amounting to a 40% reduction.
This will result in a 30% reduction in waiting time, with the average waiting time at signals or bottlenecks going from 10 to 7 minutes, saving 3 minutes. Carbon emissions will be reduced as a result of this decrease in idle time.CO₂ emissions during waiting time are predicted to decrease by 30%, from 1,133 grammes to 793 grammes per vehicle, based on a gasoline-powered vehicle emitting roughly 170 grammes per kilometre and taking into account a 2.3 km effective time-distance saving at an average speed of 40 km/h,” he continued.
Many road-widening projects are part of the suggested changes. First, a 2+2 lane road with a 2.7-meter-wide cycle track and lane widths of 7 meters each will be converted to a 3+3 lane road with 9.7-meter-wide carriageways.Last but not least, a 1+1 lane road with 1.5-meter cycle track and 3.5-meter lanes will be converted to a 2+2 lane layout, with each carriageway increased to 5.0 meters.
A one-way traffic system will be put in place to ease internal vehicle mobility and lessen congestion in the busiest areas of BKC. The MMRDA states that this strategy, which is supported by traffic studies and expert suggestions, should greatly improve traffic flow and lessen bottlenecks.
“MMRDA’s proactive and data-driven approach reflects its commitment to preserving BKC’s efficiency and connectivity while supporting its continued growth as a financial epicentre,” according to an official release.
These short-term and long-term improvements, according to an official, are intended to relieve traffic immediately while allowing the district to sustainably handle future increases in automobile and pedestrian traffic. The most recent Authority Meeting, which was presided over by the chairman, saw the presentation and approval of the comprehensive traffic management plan for BKC, which was created by the MMRDA.”We are improving BKC’s infrastructure by building more roads and putting in place a one-way traffic system as part of the MMRDA’s strategic plan,” an MMRDA official stated.
By taking these steps, traffic will be greatly reduced, commuters’ travel times will be shortened, and BKC will become more effective and accessible. This choice was made after giving considerable thought to BKC’s rising economic significance and foot traffic. The 370-hectare Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) is one of Mumbai’s most prestigious financial and commercial areas. As a booming focus of economic activity, BKC keeps seeing consistent increases in employment and tourism, solidifying its position as the city’s financial, commercial, and innovative hub.
The majority of traffic has been redirected towards BKC as a result of the Sion bridge’s closure. Heavy vehicles like trucks and multi-capacity transports are now being routed via this section, increasing traffic congestion even though the BKC lanes are intended for smaller cars. Both immediate and long-term actions are being taken to address this issue.
Even though BKC has excellent public transport connections, there is still a lot of traffic, especially on the Bandra-Kurla Link Road (BKLR), which runs from Kalanagar Junction to Bharat Diamond Bourse. Ongoing infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of the Sion Flyover, have made matters worse.
Source: The Free Press Journal.
