For over a decade, residents of Lokhandwala Complex in Kandivali East have faced severe traffic congestion, frequent accidents, and road rage incidents on the 1.5-kilometer stretch connecting their township to the Western Express Highway (WEH). Frustrated by the lack of effective action from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and traffic police, the community has taken matters into their own hands by developing a comprehensive traffic improvement plan.
Community-Driven Initiative
The Lokhandwala Complex, home to approximately 20,000 flats, relies on a 90-foot road lined with shops and often clogged with parked autorickshaws. A significant concern is Sant Dnyaneshwar Chowk, the main intersection at the township’s entrance, which has been the site of numerous accidents over the years. Additionally, the intersection near Lokhandwala Foundation School lacks a safe footpath, endangering students due to speeding vehicles.
Sound designer Gunjan Srivastav, a township resident, highlighted the daily challenges: “There have been many fatal accidents due to the misalignment of Dnyaneshwar Chowk. There is an incident of road rage every day, involving errant auto drivers who misbehave and even assault pedestrians.” Another resident and member of We All Connect (wAc), a citizens’ group collaborating with civic authorities, Santosh Shetty, added, “During peak hours, it takes one-and-a-half hours to cross this stretch connecting Akurli Road.”
When residents approached the traffic police for assistance, they were often met with responses citing manpower shortages. Senior Police Inspector Jagdish Bhopale of the Samta Nagar traffic division acknowledged the widespread nature of such requests, emphasizing the need for interventions to ensure smooth vehicular movement and law enforcement.
Engineering a Solution
In response to these challenges, engineer and township resident Vidhisha Dhar, associated with Arcadis IBI Group, took the initiative to design a blueprint aimed at alleviating traffic woes. After extensive discussions with fellow residents and wAc members, Dhar focused on reimagining Sant Dnyaneshwar Chowk and the intersection near Lokhandwala Foundation School.
Dhar explained her motivation: “I have watched how each time residents meet authorities, they come away with empty promises. That’s when I stepped up to help.” She emphasized the importance of understanding the area’s topography in crafting effective solutions.
The proposed plan includes measures such as closing unnecessary openings in road dividers, which autorickshaw drivers frequently exploit, leading to chaotic traffic conditions. Despite previous requests to the BMC to address these open points, action has been pending. Bhopale noted, “We penalize at least 150 auto drivers every day there, but the situation has not improved. Closing the open points in the divider can make a small difference.”
Political Support and Future Prospects
Local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Atul Bhatkhalkar has facilitated dialogue between residents and civic authorities. He stated, “The proposal has been submitted to the assistant municipal commissioner of the ward. Once sanctioned, tenders will be issued for the work. We hope it will be done before the monsoons.”
BMC’s assistant engineer for roads in the R-South ward, Balaji Birajdar, confirmed receipt of the proposal and indicated that it would be sanctioned shortly. In the meantime, efforts are underway to close the gaps in the dividers to improve traffic flow.
A Model for Civic Engagement
This initiative by Kandivali residents exemplifies proactive community engagement in urban planning. By leveraging local expertise and fostering collaboration with authorities, the Lokhandwala Complex community aims to create safer and more efficient roadways. If successful, this model could serve as a blueprint for other neighborhoods grappling with similar infrastructural challenges.
By taking initiative and collaborating with authorities, the Lokhandwala Complex community demonstrates how local action can lead to meaningful improvements in urban infrastructure.
