Thane traffic in a complete mess
Ashwin Aghor
Thane is one of the fastest growing cities in the state and the
most-preferred destination of middle class people. At the same time, the
city has become a virtual mess when it comes to traffic. The situation is
totally out of control of the Traffic Police, particularly during rush
hours.
Autorickshaw drivers occupy a major portion of the road while the
ever-increasing number of housing societies along the Ghodbunder Road has
added to the traffic problems. As if this was not enough, the repair works
on the road that began in February last year have resulted in fatal road
accidents.
The Traffic police are never on duty, especially during the morning and
evening rush hours. The problem is so severe that it takes 45 minutes to
reach Thane from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the same time to cover
seven km in the city.
Traffic rules on the road from Mulund Check Naka to Thane railway station
are flouted right under the nose of the Traffic Police. All the
autorickshaws carrying five and more passengers from Mulund Check Naka to
Thane railway station pass via Teen Hath Naka, where at least three Traffic
Police constables are present. But everyone is busy collecting ‘fine’ from
two-wheeler owners for wrong parking.
Advocate Anil Aggrawaal says, “If such violations on busy roads go
unnoticed, there is a serious problem that needs correction. Either the
Traffic Police is either not aware of the violations or they don’t want to
notice it.”
The situation at Anand Nagar Check Naka is pathetic during morning with
heavy vehicles occupying all the three lanes on the road to Mumbai, making
it impossible for other small vehicles to maneuver through.
Ironically, the problem remains unsolved despite the city police chief D
Sivanandhan himself repeatedly informing the Traffic Police officials about
the matter.
DCP (Traffic) Dr Dnyaneshwar Chavhan says, “We are taking action against
errant autorickshaw drivers and thousands of cases are registered against
them every month. Regular meetings with autorickshaw union leaders are also
being held.” ACP (Traffic) Tanaji Ghadge however blames the Thane Municipal
Corporation (TMC) for the problem. “There are no zebra crossings at signals
and a majority of traffic signals are defunct, despite frequent reminders to
the authorities concerned.”
Nitin Deshpande of the Forum of Alert Citizens, Thane (FACT) says “Private
vehicles should not be allowed in the station during rush hour and public
transport given priority.” Deshpande feels the area outside Thane railway
station is not being used to its fullest.
“TMC has given around Rs60 lakh to Railways over the last decade to
construct a flyover connecting Thane East and West. But the money seems to
have gone down the drain,” he alleged.
ACP Ghadge blames it all on shortage of men. “It is impossible for us to
manage traffic in the city with such a severe manpower crunch.” The current
strength of Traffic Police in Thane is 256, which includes one DCP, one ACP,
two Police Inspectors, four Assistant Police Inspectors, six Police Sub
Inspectors, 21 Assistant Sub Inspectors, 78 head-constables, 74 police
constables and 31 woman police constables.