Three visits and two deadlines with a pinch of stern warning by Shiv Sena legislator and transport minister- Pratap Sarnaik within a span of a fortnight helped in alleviating traffic congestion on both sides of the roads leading to the toll plaza on the highway in Dahisar. Irate over an alarming number of complaints received regarding massive traffic jams at the toll plaza in Dahisar, Sarnaik in his first visit on 6, February had suggested some remedial measures tagged with a 3-day deadline for implementation to the contractor.
Despite indicating about his revisit to the spot upon the end of the deadline, the toll collection agency who had failed to implement all guidelines were caught napping when Sarnaik paid a second visit on 10, January. This time he gave them time till Saturday (15, February) failing which he said that the contractor will not only face his wrath in true Sena-style, but an offence for negligence will be registered at the police station.
Welcome respite |
Finally, sense prevailed and the contractor had implemented the measures when Sarnaik once again visited the spot-on Saturday. The measures include-designation of just two lanes on each side of the toll plaza for heavy vehicles, remaining lanes cleared for light motor vehicles (exempted from toll) and installation of signages at 500-meter gaps to guide motorists. Additionally, compulsory halting movements of Mumbai-bound heavy vehicles way before the toll-plaza between 8 to 11 am, averting them from parking and clogging the access road on the highway.
Welcome respite |
“The newly implemented measures have provided a major respite from chock-a-block roads. However, if congestion continues, we might take a call to restrict toll collection on a single lane to ensure maximum freeway for a smooth traffic flow.” said Sarnaik.
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The erstwhile Eknath Shinde-led government had granted complete toll exemption for light motor vehicles (LMV) at all five toll booths in Mumbai including the Dahisar Toll Plaza on 15 October, last year. Apart from providing monetary relief to motorists, the purpose of the waiver was to minimise pollution and curtail traffic snarls at the toll plazas.
However, traffic congestion continued to prevail on both sides of roads leading to the toll plaza located on the highway in Dahisar, due to the alleged mismanagement by the toll contractor.
The measures include
Designation of just two lanes on each side of the toll plaza for heavy vehicles
remaining lanes cleared for light motor vehicles (exempted from toll)
Installation of signages at 500-meter gaps to guide motorists
Additionally, compulsory halting movements of Mumbai-bound heavy vehicles way before the toll-plaza between 8 to 11 am, averting them from parking and clogging the access road on the highway.
