Mulund, a suburban neighbourhood in Mumbai, may soon witness significant relief from its longstanding traffic congestion issues. A series of new road proposals have been submitted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), aiming to create alternative routes that would ease the daily traffic bottlenecks experienced by residents, particularly at the entry point from the Eastern Express Highway (EEH).
Currently, Mulund East relies heavily on Navghar Road as its sole entry point from the EEH, a situation that regularly leads to severe traffic jams during peak hours. Recognising the urgent need for an alternative, a former municipal corporator has put forth a proposal that outlines the development of a new road linking the EEH directly to the Tata Colony Road and Rajashree Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj Marg. This proposed road would offer a much-needed alternative route, significantly reducing the congestion at the Mulund entry point.
The proposal also suggests the extension of the Kelkar College Road to connect with the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) near Nahur Junction. This road, which is indicated as a 27.45-metre-wide corridor in the city’s Development Plan, could serve as a vital link for residents and commuters, alleviating pressure on the existing road infrastructure. The proposed stretch runs through saltpan land on both sides, and the civic official has urged the BMC to engage with the state government to expedite the acquisition of this land for the project.
Local residents have voiced their support for the proposed infrastructure improvements, noting that the increasing population in Mulund East, driven by the ongoing redevelopment of older buildings, has only exacerbated the traffic situation. one resident pointed out that due to the frequent traffic snarls, it often takes twice as long to reach the Mulund railway station by vehicle, compared to walking. The proposed road links, if realised, could provide a much-needed solution to these daily inconveniences, easing travel times and improving overall connectivity within the area.
Mulund East, which has historically been a settlement for the Koli and Aagri communities, has seen substantial development since the 1970s. The area’s transformation from a quiet, low-rise neighbourhood to a bustling urban centre has brought with it the challenges of increased vehicular traffic and inadequate road infrastructure. The new road proposals represent a proactive step towards addressing these challenges, ensuring that the area can continue to grow sustainably without compromising on the quality of life for its residents.
As the BMC reviews these proposals, the residents of Mulund are hopeful that the necessary approvals will be granted swiftly, allowing the construction of these new roads to commence. The civic administration’s response to these proposals remains awaited, but there is growing optimism that these infrastructure developments could soon bring much-needed relief to Mulund’s traffic-plagued streets.
