Residents of Mumbai’s Maharshi Karve Road are raising concerns over persistent traffic snarls that have continued even after the completion of Metro Line 3 construction. Many members of the Oval Cooperage Residents Association (OCRA) have formally written to the city’s traffic authorities, detailing critical congestion points and unsafe traffic conditions along the stretch from Eros Theatre to Woodhouse Gymkhana.
During the Metro construction, temporary traffic diversions were implemented to manage the flow of vehicles. However, residents report that motorists continue to follow the old detour routes even after barricades were removed, resulting in renewed congestion. One particularly problematic area is the right turn from Maharshi Karve Road onto J. Tata Road near Eros. According to OCRA, vehicles attempting this turn regularly block the junction, causing delays of 10 to 25 minutes and affecting the movement of emergency vehicles. Traffic officials stated that they intervene to ensure ambulances can navigate through congested areas and noted that traffic build-up is most significant on Tuesdays due to higher vehicle volume. Despite these assurances, residents insist that the daily inconvenience is significant and requires urgent long-term planning.
Local residents highlighted that the challenge is compounded by point-to-point taxis, BEST bus routes, and haphazard parking of both private and two-wheeler vehicles, often blocking pavements and public spaces. The association has repeatedly requested coordination among the BMC, RTO, and BEST authorities to implement a sustainable solution that prioritises commuter safety and smooth traffic flow. OCRA has emphasised that traffic issues on this corridor are not just temporary inconveniences but systemic problems, aggravated by outdated routes followed from the Metro construction period. They have called for immediate intervention to restore normal traffic patterns, regulate vehicle movement, and ensure emergency services are unhindered.
Experts note that traffic management in urban centres must consider long-term behavioural shifts among commuters, not just temporary construction-induced diversions. Urban mobility authorities are being urged to implement intelligent traffic solutions, increase monitoring, and enhance public transport efficiency to prevent recurring gridlocks. Residents’ letters underline the urgent need for a holistic approach to road management post-infrastructure projects, highlighting the role of inter-agency coordination and proactive traffic regulation. Without decisive action, congested stretches like Karve Road risk undermining both commuter safety and urban mobility goals, delaying the benefits envisioned from large-scale projects like Metro Line 3.
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Mumbai Residents Complain About Persistent Traffic Chaos After Metro Line Three Completion