The Captain Vinayak Gore Flyover in Vile Parle, Mumbai has become a major cause of frustration for people due to traffic congestions in the area. The closure of the Andheri Subway due to frequent water logging has led to increased traffic on this east-west connector. However, the flyover is marred with numerous potholes, further worsening the situation. Despite residents’ complaints and efforts by the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizen’s Association (LOCA) to bring the issue to the attention of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), no action has been taken so far. This article delves into the ongoing traffic chaos and its impact on commuters.
Potholes and Traffic Woes
The Captain Vinayak Gore Flyover serves as a crucial alternative route to the closed Andheri Subway, providing relief to commuters during heavy rains and frequent shutdowns. However, the flyover’s deteriorating condition, with potholes strewn all over its surface, has amplified the problems for motorists. The narrow bridge coupled with these potholes creates a hazardous situation, making the daily commute an ordeal for many.
Members of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizen’s Association (LOCA) have raised their concerns with the BMC, urging them to address the pothole issue urgently. Unfortunately, the civic body has yet to respond, leaving commuters stranded in long traffic jams and facing prolonged travel times.
Safety Concerns and Inconvenience
The safety of commuters is compromised due to the presence of a significant pothole on the east side of the flyover. This obstacle not only leads to frequent traffic congestion but also poses potential risks to drivers. For two-wheeler riders, navigating these treacherous potholes during heavy rains becomes a nightmare, making the flyover an undesirable option during subway closures.
The deteriorating condition of the flyover has had a significant impact on the daily lives of residents and commuters like Karan Jotwani and Sweeta Choithramani. These individuals have experienced firsthand the negative consequences of the flyover’s worsening state, which has turned their daily commutes into challenging and time-consuming journeys.
Previously, when the flyover was in good condition, the commute for people like Karan and Sweeta would take around 40 minutes. This relatively short travel time allowed them to efficiently move between their homes and workplaces or other destinations, saving precious time for other activities or spending with their families.
However, due to the flyover’s deterioration, the situation has drastically changed. The commute time has doubled, meaning that now it takes a staggering 80 minutes to traverse the same distance. This has caused frustration and inconvenience for residents and daily commuters who heavily rely on this route.
The prolonged travel time has several adverse effects on their lives. Firstly, it eats into their productive hours, leaving them with less time for work, personal responsibilities, or leisure activities. The extra time spent stuck in traffic can also lead to increased stress levels, affecting their overall well-being.
Moreover, the prolonged commute has ripple effects on other aspects of their lives. For instance, it may result in less time spent with their families, affecting work-life balance. It can also lead to increased expenses, as more time on the road means higher fuel costs or increased reliance on public transportation fares.
Beyond individual hardships, the deteriorating flyover can have broader economic consequences for the region. Businesses might suffer from reduced efficiency due to delayed shipments or employees arriving late for work. Additionally, traffic congestion caused by the poorly maintained flyover can negatively impact air quality and contribute to environmental concerns.
The situation calls for urgent attention from the authorities responsible for the maintenance and repair of the flyover. Timely and effective action is necessary to address the issue and alleviate the burden on residents and daily commuters like Karan Jotwani and Sweeta Choithramani. Fixing the flyover can restore efficient travel times, enhance the overall quality of life, and foster a more conducive environment for economic growth and well-being in the area.
The BMC’s K east ward has acknowledged the issue and stated that the flyover falls under the jurisdiction of the bridges department. Assurances have been made to prioritize filling the potholes, but until action is taken, commuters continue to suffer the consequences.
The Captain Vinayak Gore Flyover, meant to be a lifeline for commuters during Andheri Subway closures, has turned into a bottleneck due to the persistence of potholes. With each passing day without resolution, the frustration and inconvenience for motorists continue to mount. Urgent action from the BMC‘s bridges department is essential to repair and maintain
