Mumbai: Several months after reeling in darkness, the eastern freeway, which connects south Mumbai from P D'mello road to the eastern suburbs at Ghatkopar-Mankhurd link road, finally has all its street lights working. Following a series of reports in the FPJ, the BMC's mechanical & electrical (M&E) department swung into action and ensured all non-operational lights are replaced or repaired.
The FPJ had first reported on June 26 that several sections of the 16.8 km long signal-free eastern freeway are dark as the street lights are defunct, making it very risky to drive. Following which, the BEST sent it's team for inspection and repaired lights at 12 spots.
All streetlights on Eastern Freeway restored by BMC, except one dark patch near Chembur tunnel exit | Photo Credits: Salman Ansari
Chembur Tunnel Section Faced Delays Due to Pending Bulb Replacements
However, the the 200 mtrs section on either side of the tunnel near the Chembur exit remained dark, due to delay in installing new bulbs by the M&E department of the BMC.
BMC Completes LED Replacement in 10 Days Despite One-Month Estimate
On July 16, the FPJ reported that as many as replacement of as many as 80 LED bulbs undertaken by the M&E department was delayed. The department had said that it would take a minimum of one month to complete replacement of the defunct bulbs, however, it has completed the work in less than 10 days.
Chief engineer (M&E), Krishna Perekar and deputy chief engineer, Vidhyadhar Mhatre could not be reached for comment. However, there is still an area of darkness near the Chembur-end of the tunnel exit on the left side.
One Patch Still in Dark Near Chembur-End Tunnel Exit
As soon as motorists cross the tunnel and turn left towards Chembur, the area is totally dark because there are no street lights. The FPJ is staking up this issue also with the BMC.
Tunnel Section Recently Handed Over to BMC from MMRDA
The eastern freeway, which is used by lakhs of motorists daily, was constructed by the MMRDA and handed over to the BMC for operations and management in 2015. However, the tunnel and around 200 mtrs section on either side of it was handed over recently.
