The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced plans to repurpose underutilized cycle tracks in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) into vehicular lanes.
This initiative aims to enhance road capacity and streamline traffic flow in one of Mumbai’s busiest commercial hubs. The BKC, spanning 370 hectares, accommodates approximately 2 lakh employees and nearly 4 lakh visitors daily. The recent closure of the Sion bridge has exacerbated traffic woes, diverting a significant volume of vehicles, including heavy trucks, through BKC’s internal roads. The existing infrastructure, originally designed for smaller vehicles, has struggled to cope with this increased load.
MMRDA’s comprehensive traffic management plan includes converting the 2.7-meter-wide cycle tracks into additional vehicular lanes, effectively increasing lane capacity from 2+2 to 3+3 in certain sections. This transformation is projected to accommodate an additional 600 to 900 vehicles per lane, thereby reducing peak-hour travel time by approximately 40%—from 25 minutes to 15 minutes. Moreover, the average waiting time at signals is expected to decrease from 10 minutes to 7 minutes, contributing to a 30% reduction in carbon emissions due to decreased idling. To facilitate this expansion, supporting infrastructure such as streetlights, signboards, bus stops, and landscaped elements will be relocated to the footpaths. Additionally, a one-way traffic system will be implemented on select internal roads within BKC to further alleviate congestion and enhance vehicular movement
The cycle tracks, initially sanctioned in 2011 with construction commencing in 2012, saw about 9 km completed by 2021 at a cost of ₹60 crore. However, these tracks have remained largely underutilized. Critics, including cycling advocates and urban planners, have attributed this to poor alignment, lack of connectivity, and inadequate maintenance. The proposed dismantling of these tracks is estimated to cost ₹25 crore. While the repurposing of cycle tracks aims to provide immediate relief from traffic congestion, it has sparked debates about sustainable urban planning and the importance of non-motorized transport infrastructure. Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive planning that balances the demands of vehicular traffic with the promotion of eco-friendly and equitable transportation options.
MMRDA officials assert that the strategic plan reflects a commitment to maintaining BKC’s role as a financial and commercial epicenter while accommodating its growing footfall and vehicular traffic. By integrating immediate and long-term solutions, the initiative seeks to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of Mumbai’s urban landscape.
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