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Mumbai: Mumbai Coastal Road is witnessing increasing concerns over speeding and traffic violations, with more than 4,000 motorists fined so far this year. According to Mumbai Traffic Police, speeding offences have resulted in fines amounting to Rs 82 lakh, of which Rs 31 lakh has already been recovered from around 1,500 offenders.
In addition, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) issued 596 separate challans for similar violations, many involving luxury vehicles such as BMWs, Audis and Mercedes-Benz, reported the Times of India. Of the 596 challans issued by the transport department, 306 were by Tardeo RTO and 290 by Wadala RTO.
Interceptor Vehicles Deployed At Several Spots To Tackle Issue
To crack down on reckless driving, both the RTO and traffic police have deployed interceptor vehicles that monitor speeds and generate e-challans. Four enforcement squads have also been stationed at key entry and exit points of the Coastal Road, which currently handles an average of 18,000 to 20,000 vehicles daily.
Officials are now shifting focus to another pressing concern, motorists misusing the dedicated bus lane. Authorities say that unauthorised driving in this lane poses a serious challenge during emergencies when towing of broken-down vehicles is required.
South Mumbai Residents Launch Second Petition Demanding Napean Sea Road Exit
Meanwhile, residents of South Mumbai, especially those from Breach Candy, Napean Sea Road (NSR), and Malabar Hill, have raised fresh concerns about worsening traffic congestion. For months, locals have been demanding an additional exit ramp from the Coastal Road at NSR to ease bottlenecks in the area. On Wednesday, an online petition launched by an NSR resident gained nearly 200 signatures within hours, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
“Along with fellow residents of Malabar Hill, Walkeshwar and Breach Candy, we urge authorities to reconsider building an NSR exit. This is a matter of safety and sustainability,” the petition states. This comes after a 2023 petition by the Breach Candy Residents Forum (BCRF), which collected over 3,200 signatures. BCRF members welcomed the NSR residents’ initiative, stating that a united front from South Mumbai could pressure authorities into action.
However, the land identified for the exit, around 67,000 sq ft, belongs to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), which has so far declined to transfer it to the BMC. According to MSRDC MD Anilkumar Gaekwad, only the Chief Minister can approve such a move. Local MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha is now pursuing the matter at the state level.
