Potholes in Mumbai trigger protests

In the last few weeks, voices of protest have emerged from many quarters to denounce the improper handling of the roads by various agencies like the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the Public Works department, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation.

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), BEST, Mumbai Taximen’s Union and Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) have voiced their concerns.

Leena Nair, chairperson for CII Maharashtra State Council, in a written reply to DNA’s queries about the impact of worsening road and traffic conditions on productivity of employees and companies, explained:

“We at CII believe that improving infrastructure will not only lead to greater competitiveness of firms but will also improve the efficiency of industry as a whole. CII would urge the state government to augment their spending on infrastructure development and services to facilitate industry growth and productivity.”

Nitin Dossa of the WIAA said: “They used to blame heavy vehicles for potholes. Since there was restriction on movement of heavy vehicles, now they can’t put the blame on heavy vehicles.”

Taxi union leader Anthony Quadros said, “The repairing costs for new car models will increase during the monsoon. Also, cases of fare refusals may increase due to refusal of drivers to ply their vehicles on pothole-ridden roads.”