October 15, 2025: Residents of Maharshi Karve Road, represented by the Oval Cooperage Residents Association (OCRA), have written to Mumbai traffic police highlighting ongoing traffic issues along the stretch from Eros Theatre to Woodhouse Gymkhana. The concerns arise even after the completion of Metro Line 3 construction, as motorists continue to follow diversions that were implemented during the metro work.
“A new and very serious problem is the right turn from Maharshi Karve Road onto J. Tata Road near Eros. This turn should be closed as it causes major congestion, reverting traffic conditions to the pre-Metro 3 chaos. Ambulances are getting stuck for 10 to 25 minutes as vehicles block the junction to make the turn,” the association stated in their letter.
When contacted, traffic police officials said they ensure ambulances are not delayed and intervene to provide a smooth flow. They added that Tuesday typically sees higher congestion due to increased traffic volumes.
Resident Nayana Kathpalia observed, “The traffic pile-up at Eros is only getting worse. The road initially was shut for many years owing to the metro barricades, and now that all the barricades have been removed, motorists are continuing to use the old routes.”
OCRA President Ashad Mehta emphasized the daily hardships faced by residents, citing point-to-point taxis, BEST buses, chaotic parking near ‘Arsa Gate’ Mantralaya, and motorcycles and scooters parked on pavements. “We, therefore, once again urge you to take a serious note of what is stated above, as the problems have reached intolerable proportions. Please do take the lead and invite the BMC, the RTO, and the BEST to jointly play their roles in finding the right solution,” the letter added.
Residents are seeking coordinated action from civic and traffic authorities to restore smooth traffic flow and resolve the persistent congestion on this key city artery.
Source: The Times of India
