A newly constructed shortcut linking Kalina and Bandra East in Mumbai, intended to ease congestion at Kapadia Nagar Junction, is proving difficult for commuters to navigate and raises safety concerns due to incomplete infrastructure. The route, designed to provide a faster connection between the University of Mumbai Gate No. 1 and Bharat Nagar, remains partially under construction, with entry points that are narrow and poorly marked.
Urban mobility experts note that while such links are essential for decongesting heavily trafficked areas, incomplete implementation can compromise both commuter convenience and safety. The Kalina–Bandra road, although wide enough to accommodate four lanes, has single-lane access points from the university side and an unfinished stretch towards Bharat Nagar, forcing vehicles in both directions to share a single carriageway without dividers. Local residents and transport activists emphasise that the absence of basic infrastructure, particularly street lighting, renders the shortcut hazardous for pedestrians and motorists, especially after sunset. Planners indicate that roads without adequate visibility and traffic management measures tend to see higher accident rates, highlighting the critical need for coordinated urban engineering before public opening. The shortcut’s design aligns with broader city traffic management strategies aimed at redistributing vehicular load across secondary routes, reducing pressure on arterial roads, and improving last-mile connectivity.
However, industry observers point out that incomplete execution undermines these objectives. Narrow sections, ongoing construction, and lack of signage can lead to congestion rather than relief, and the potential for accidents on shared stretches remains high. Commuters report that locating the entrance from the Kalina side is challenging, and the absence of visible directional markers adds to confusion. Autorickshaw drivers and other small vehicle operators have noted that the shared carriageway becomes particularly difficult when larger vehicles pass in opposite directions, underscoring the need for interim traffic management solutions until the road is fully operational. Urban planners suggest that completing the remaining sections, installing street lighting, and introducing clear entry and exit signage should be prioritised. Additionally, temporary safety measures such as reflective barriers or cones could reduce accident risks during ongoing construction. Coordinated communication from municipal authorities about progress timelines would also help residents plan their commute more effectively.
While the Kalina Bandra shortcut has the potential to significantly improve east-west connectivity and reduce travel time across a congested urban corridor, its current state highlights the challenges of implementing urban infrastructure projects in a dense, high-traffic environment. Completing the missing infrastructure and ensuring visibility, road markings, and traffic safety protocols will be essential to achieving the road’s intended benefits.
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Mumbai Kalina Bandra Shortcut Faces Safety Concerns
