Gridlock Outside Breach Candy Hospital Sparks Concern

The newly inaugurated wing of Breach Candy Hospital, now towering at 12 floors and adding over 120 beds to its iconic campus, has elevated the hospital’s reputation as one of the city’s most sought-after medical institutions. Both the new and existing buildings routinely operate at full capacity, with wait times for patient beds stretching up to four days.

However, the hospital’s success story is straining its surroundings: in particular, Bhulabhai Desai Road (BD Road) is bearing the brunt of a growing traffic crisis.

No dedicated parking, rising road chaos

Visitors, patients, and those attending OPD appointments are forced to disembark within the hospital’s compound and then search for parking outside. With no dedicated facility, cars frequently double and triple park, idle for extended periods, or circle the block repeatedly—choking traffic flow during peak hours.

Local residents report daily congestion, stalled movement, and increased risks for pedestrians and emergency access, particularly during visiting hours and rush hours.

Call for immediate intervention

Despite past proposals— including an underground parking lot near Amarsons which was shelved due to pedestrian safety concerns— no solution has yet been implemented. Residents urge the hospital administration, BMC, and traffic authorities to reinitiate discussions and establish structured measures, such as:

Time-bound drop-off zones within hospital premises

Offsite parking with valet or shuttle services

Digital appointment spacing to ease volume pressure

Reassessment of public-private use of adjacent reclaimed land

With Breach Candy Hospital continuing to expand its vital healthcare services, locals say it is imperative that civic infrastructure keeps pace—ensuring access, safety, and traffic equity for all.

Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 10:37 AM IST