In a strategic move to curb traffic congestion at one of Mumbai’s busiest junctions, the BMC and the Dadar Traffic Division have initiated the installation of iron railings on the Kavi Keshavsut Flyover, just outside the Dadar West railway station. This intervention comes as a direct response to growing traffic snarls, which are largely attributed to vehicles making U-turns on the flyover.
A recent survey conducted by local media uncovered that the crux of the traffic congestion problem lies in the frequent U-turns made by vehicles on the 2.5-kilometre stretch from Matunga to Dadar. Officials from the Dadar Traffic Division reported that there were at least 15-16 U-turns across the stretch, significantly contributing to delays. The new plan intends to reduce this number to just four or five, targeting key areas such as Dadar Kohinoor, Bal Govind Das Road in Matunga, the Dadar Vegetable Market, and Takandas Kataria Marg. This move is expected to dramatically improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents at these critical junctions. The presence of heavy vehicles making U-turns often causes blockages, which spill over to smaller vehicles, particularly motorcycles, that frequently bypass the traffic by using the wrong side of the road.
Tragically, these traffic violations have already led to fatal accidents, including one earlier this year when a youth was killed after being crushed by a dumper truck. Senior officials overseeing the project emphasised the importance of blocking these U-turns to make the area safer and more efficient. The installation of iron barriers, along with cement dividers, will prevent vehicles from making illegal turns, thereby improving safety and reducing the overall traffic load. Local residents and shopkeepers have long complained about the negative impact of traffic on their daily activities. One garment shop owner in the area highlighted the frequent jams caused by U-turns, which also made it difficult for delivery trucks to unload goods. Residents, too, noted the hazardous conditions for pedestrians and drivers alike, particularly during rush hours when crossing the flyover becomes an ordeal.
Authorities are confident that these measures will lead to a smoother flow of traffic, cutting down travel time during peak hours, which currently stands at 15 minutes for just the Matunga-Dadar stretch. As Mumbai’s infrastructure continues to grow under pressure from increasing vehicle numbers, this intervention at Dadar could serve as a model for solving similar congestion issues across the city.
