Thanekars turn on blinkers to protest against traffic, potholes

Residents of Thane on Friday took to a special way of expressing their displeasure over the poor condition of roads and mismanagement of traffic. Commuters traveling by their vehicles drove with the blinkers on in order to peacefully highlight the hassles of deadly traffic they have been putting up with since the Mumbra bypass was shut in May for repairs.

At around 8 am on Friday, over 90 motorists from Thane's Hiranandani estate, Waghbil, and neighboring areas of Ghodbunder (GB) road drove with blinkers of their vehicles on. "Since the past three months, I spend over two and a half hours driving to my office in Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. And the same or more amount of time when I return in the evening," says Sushant Kumar from Hiranandani Estate, Thane. "Earlier it would take me just an hour to reach. And I find it weird to tell my bosses everyday that I am stuck in traffic."

Like Kumar, 1000s of motorists from Thane drive down to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai for work. Their commute time has doubled due to hours-long traffic and potholes. The main reasons behind the heavy traffic congestion is the Mumbra bypass repair, which diverted the course of heavy vehicles to Thane roads.

"There are multiple issues which have led to the mess on Thane roads. These include heavy vehicles, potholes, traffic mismanagement, toll charges. And these need to be addressed," says Rajesh Bhasin, another resident of Hiranandani estate who was also a part of Friday's campaign.

"Through this campaign we want to bring awareness in the government about the challenges we are facing today. The authorities have given permissions for big builders to come up with high rises but there is no infrastructure to support the growth in men and vehicles," he said.

And these campaigners are determined to get their voice seen, heard and addressed. "We will come up with similar campaigns and continue to highlight these multiple issues which need to be addressed by the authorities in a planned manner."

NOT A FUN RIDE

• The Mumbra bypass was shut in May by the state PWD for urgent repairs 
   
• Movement of heavy vehicles was diverted through Thane city
   
• Toll waiver from Aug 21 to Sept 23 has barely eased the pressure