BMC, IIT Bombay and the traffic department list measures to reduce traffic in the business hub, decongest area for development
To tackle the traffic woes in Kalbadevi area, a three-member committee has proposed several short, medium and long-term measures. The proposal asks BMC, traffic department and other agencies to ensure reduction in traffic snarls at Kalbadevi, which sees heavy footfall during festivals. The report signed by Joint Commissioner (traffic) Amitesh Kumar, additional municipal commissioner, Vijay Singhal and Associate Professor, IIT-Bombay, P Vedagiri, lists several measures that need to be implemented.
Government pleader PH Kantharia said that the administration has already started taking short-term measures and after necessary preparation will implement the mid-term plan.
As per the report, 17 short-term measures are being implemented which include traffic signal, pedestrian signals, odd-even parking, parking restrictions during peak hours, designated parking areas et al. It also suggests that BEST buses should halt at designated areas.
The report states that the traffic department would work on demarcating loading /unloading sites for handcarts and install CCTV cameras to curb traffic violations.
The medium-term measures include wide footpaths, introduce mini buses in the area, reduce dependence on private cabs, raise table top crossing for the pedestrians and reduce speed of vehicles. Plans are afoot for continuous footpaths for ease of movement. The traffic police plans to impose suitable parking fee to discourage on-street parking. Furthermore, to restrict loading/unloading of goods at business premises only during night time, to prevent congestion during day time.
The panel has suggested nine long-term measures, which include assessing possibility of having an automated multi-level car parking lots around Mumbadevi mandir area. The pay-and-park facility is to develop the habit of park and ride among visitors. BMC also toying with the idea of installing vehicle actuated signals, where timing of signal is controlled by traffic demand. Also develop area-wise traffic management plans. Restricting the entry of vehicles on certain roads during the day time. BMC and MMRDA to consider the possibility of shifting the entire wholesale trade of steel, medicine, jewellery, cloth, consumer durables, outside the city to non-congested localities. The high court has now asked the departments to submit progress report by October 10.
THE MEASURES
SHORT-TERM
Traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, odd-even parking, areas for BEST buses to halt
MEDIUM-TERM
Wide footpaths, mini buses, raise table-top crossing for pedestrians, reduce speed of vehicles
LONG-TERM
Automated multi-level car parking lots around Mumbadevi Mandir, explore possibility of skywalk etc
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The report states that the traffic department would work on demarcating loading /unloading sites for handcarts and install CCTV cameras to curb traffic violations. 
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