Wrong-way driving by two-wheelers, private cars and passenger vehicles is adding to daily congestion on the Kalyan-Shilphata Road, where commuters are also seeking stricter enforcement and the completion of stalled widening work, according to a report by Loksatta – Thane published on Thursday.
The congestion has been reported on sections of the road connecting Kalyan and Dombivli with Shilphata. Drivers stuck in the correct carriageway are entering the opposite lane through openings in the median in an attempt to bypass queues. These vehicles then obstruct traffic moving in the proper direction, causing the opposite carriageway to become congested as well.
The report said that the problem was visible again on Wednesday evening. With traffic backed up ahead, several motorists reportedly moved through the median into the wrong-way lane. Although parts of that lane appeared clear, traffic police had held vehicles farther ahead to regulate movement. Once those vehicles were released, they became stuck because of traffic entering from the wrong direction.
According to the report, more than 200 drivers were subjected to fines and criminal cases over the past two years for driving against traffic. The action was carried out during the tenure of Sachin Sandbhor, then senior police inspector of the Kolsewadi traffic division. The report said the violations have continued despite motorists being aware that enforcement action could follow.
Local commuters have called for sustained action by the traffic police, including penalties and the possible suspension of driving licences through the Regional Transport Office for repeated violations. The report attributed the demand to passengers using the road and said private passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and private cars were among those most frequently using the wrong-way lane.
Traffic congestion has also been linked to unfinished widening work between Katai and Khidkali, including sections near Desai village. Commuters have sought the early payment of compensation to affected farmers and the resumption of road-widening and concreting work. The report said vehicles travelling at speed from both directions become trapped near the sections where widening has been delayed, contributing to recurring jams.
The congestion is affecting office workers and school buses, according to the report. Residents have also sought additional traffic signals at Palava Chowk, Katai Titha, Manpada Titha, the Regency Anantam entrance and Suyog Hotel Chowk. They said traffic signals could help bring more order to movement at busy junctions.
A new traffic signal was inaugurated at Kalyan Phata Chowk on Wednesday by Kalyan Rural legislator Rajesh More. The signal is intended to improve traffic flow at the junction and reduce the pressure on traffic police managing the intersection. Further action on enforcement and the delayed widening sections remains the next step identified by commuters and local stakeholders.
