Mumbai Coastal Road Project: BMC Plans Digital Signboards, 24/7 Police Chowkies After Fatal Accident

Mumbai: The Mumbai Coastal road has reduced travel time and fuel consumption, but commuters have raised concerns about current signboards, which are small and often lead to confusion. After a fatal accident on February 10, the Mumbai Traffic Police recommended larger and more visible digital signboards to improve safety.

The BMC is considering this proposal and has identified three key locations each for traffic chowkies and police stations to enhance safety and ensure quick emergency response on the coastal road.

According to BMC rules, Mumbai's traffic signage adheres to Indian Road Congress (IRC) guidelines for color, size, and placement. Mandatory signs are marked with red circles, cautionary signs with red triangles, and informative signs with blue rectangles. All signs are retro-reflective with high-intensity sheeting for enhanced visibility.

Marathi is included where required, and sign placement follows the specific road layout and traffic conditions as per BMC directives. However, the commuters complain that most of the signboards are displayed at unwanted locations and there is no continuity. At some locations signboards is placed at spot where roads actually split.

Activist Zoru Bhathena pointed out, "Some signboards are only visible when you're stuck in a traffic jam. They aren't designed to be easily read while driving."

A.V. Shenoy, a Mumbai-based transport expert, explained, "Signage on major roads and highways follows IRC guidelines, but the Coastal Road was developed by the BMC, not the MMRDA, leading to this issue. Typically, signs on major roads and highways are placed overhead, and should be positioned 200-500 meters in advance to give drivers enough time to change lanes or make turns safely. The current signage doesn’t follow these standards, creating a risk of accidents. BMC must adhere to these guidelines."

Anil Kumbhare, Joint Commissioner (Traffic Police) said, "We have asked the Muncipal corporation to install digital signage boards on the Mumbai Coastal Road. The request includes specifications on signage placement and frequency to prevent future accidents."

Amit Saini, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs), stated, "We have received a letter from the traffic police, based on which our internal department will conduct a study to assess the feasibility of installing digital signboards on the Coastal Road, including their required size and placement. We are also installing 28 speed detection cameras, spaced 50 meters apart, along the route."

The BMC has allocated Rs 8 crores for the installation of advanced cameras to monitor speeding vehicles. Additionally, the civic body has identified three key locations for police and traffic chowkies: at Love Grove Flyover, near Tata Garden, and at the Worli car parking area. "Police staff will be stationed at these locations 24/7 to ensure law and order on the Coastal Road," said a civic official.