Mumbai: Agitated with violations and hazardous traffic, locals near the intersection of Andheri Kurla Road and WEH have petitioned authorities with solutions. This intersection witnesses heavy traffic and pedestrian movement. Instances of driving in the wrong direction, lack of lane separators, narrow pavements, and the absence of pedestrian crossings have made the stretch dangerous.
“Crossing WEH is a nightmare. There are no zebra crossings. I fear sending my children outside,” said an office-bearer of Mahindra Vivante society, which has engaged with the traffic police on the matter. Residents have suggested revising signal timings at the intersection to allow pedestrians sufficient time to cross.
One arm of the Andheri-Kurla Road permits two-way traffic for specific vehicle types. “The lack of lane dividers and signage creates high risk,” observed S Gopalan, resident of Greenwood society. With Metro lines operational, residents argue that the authorities must reassess the practicality of two-way traffic flow on a single arm. In the interim, residents have suggested immediate installation of lane separators and visible signage.
Local resident Amitoj Singh highlighted a dangerous trend of motorcyclists riding against the flow of traffic from Suren Road towards the intersection as a “short-cut” to reach WEH. “The presence of a traffic constable issuing challans to these offenders would resolve this problem,” Singh said. To alleviate traffic congestion, residents recommended the removal of vehicles parked on Andheri-Kurla Road.
MLA Murji Patel said he had written to the CM, requesting the construction of a skywalk or an underpass to enable pedestrians to cross WEH safely. But for universal accessibility, experts recommend redesigning the intersection to allow street-level crossings. “Crossing distances need to be shortened. Zebra crossings and stop lines must be provided, and footpaths should be widened,” said Rishi Aggarwal, founder of the Walking Project, an organization working towards improving urban walkability.
