Simple initiatives like publicising diversions and parking restrictions by the authorities have ensured a smoother traffic flow this time at the arterial Peddar Road, a portion of which has been closed for the renovation of over 100-year old sewage pipelines under it. Major chaos was witnessed when the repair work was last undertaken in March at the same stretch and was subsequently abandoned.

“The smoother traffic flow at the Peddar Road is primarily because we enforced parking restrictions strictly, besides publicising route diversions in a big way so that maximum people were aware of the diversions,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sanjay Barve, while talking about the success of the traffic diversions that have apparently made the traffic flow smooth in the South Mumbai.

A day before the traffic diversions were implemented at the Peddar Road, around 10,000 pamphlets containing instructions about the diversions were distributed to residents in the locality. Also, diversion boards were put at 5 major junctions throughout South Mumbai at Walkeshwar, Churchgate, Regal, Mohammed Ali Road and P D’Mello Road. “Apart from the five major junctions, similar boards were put up at lot of other places throughout the area. The way in which the information about the diversions was given out made a huge contribution to the smooth process of the diversions,” said Barve.

Barve also said that the diversions have reduced traffic in the area by 20-30% as Gamadia Road has become one-way and motorists have to take diversions. “The diversions will be taken away on Sunday most probably,” Barve added.

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