On Wednesday, chaos ruled the arterial roads from Worli to Mahim. Thursday was somewhat better.
Contributing to the improved state of affairs on Mumbai’s roads was the nearly 30% drop in the number of vehicles on the Bandra-Worli sea link.
On Day 1, 6,000 vehicles plied on the bridge per hour; the number dropped to 4,000 on Day 2.
The traffic department too seemed to have learnt its lesson the hard way. The entire force was out in full strength. “The traffic movement has improved, comparatively,” said S Solunkhe, deputy commissioner of police (traffic headquarters).
At least 35 traffic personnel were deployed across the sea link to regulate motorists and stop the particularly enthusiastic ones from halting midway to click pictures or enjoy the scenic view.
These halts had slowed down traffic movement considerably on the first day, said a senior police official.
Traffic officials rubbished rumours that the bridge would be partially closed, or that the promise of toll-free rides till Sunday would be scrapped after Wednesday’s traffic snarls.
On Thursday morning, the beautification patch atthe Worli end of the sea link was also trimmed, resulting in more space for vehicles.
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