Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, May 25: Following the devastating accident on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway in Palghar that left 13 people dead, Mumbai Traffic Police have stepped up enforcement against wrong-side driving and heavy vehicles violating restricted-hour movement rules across the city.
In the last week alone, authorities have issued more than 2,500 challans to delivery riders for traffic violations such as jumping signals and riding against traffic flow. Simultaneously, action was taken against 170 heavy vehicles found operating during prohibited hours, while 39 vehicles were seized for violating traffic regulations.
Officials said heavy vehicles are barred from using major roads, highways and flyovers during peak traffic periods between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Despite these restrictions, violations continue to contribute to congestion and serious accidents.
Data released by the traffic branch revealed that from January 1 to May 23, action had already been taken against 6,380 motorcyclists for riding on the wrong side of the road.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satya Narayan said authorities have identified several accident-prone hotspots where wrong-side driving has become common. He warned that police are now registering FIRs in serious cases to send a clear message that such reckless behaviour will not be tolerated.
Over the weekend, commuters took to social media platform X to report multiple incidents of wrong-side driving in areas including Worli, Mahim Dargah Road and Gulmohar Road in Juhu.
Traffic police officials also announced stricter action against bikers using footpaths to bypass congestion. According to authorities, a large number of complaints involve delivery riders working for online food delivery and quick-commerce platforms.
Satya Narayan said the traffic department plans to call representatives from these companies for discussions regarding repeated traffic violations by delivery personnel and to demand greater accountability from the platforms.
Road safety activists believe unrealistic delivery targets imposed by online companies are pushing riders toward dangerous driving practices. Transport activist Mohammad Afzal said many delivery workers face immense pressure to meet “10-minute delivery” deadlines, forcing them to break traffic rules to avoid losing their jobs.
He pointed out that in a difficult employment market, many young riders are willing to take life-threatening risks to maintain their income, even if it compromises road safety.
The dangers of wrong-side driving have already claimed innocent lives in the city. In February, 13-year-old Ayat Bora died near the Eastern Freeway ramp at Mazgaon while riding pillion with her father. According to reports, her father lost control of the motorcycle while attempting to avoid a police vehicle allegedly travelling on the wrong side. The bike skidded, and the teenager was thrown into the path of a container truck.
Afzal stressed that road safety enforcement should remain a year-round priority and not be restricted to campaigns such as the annual ‘Road Safety Fortnight’ observed in January.
The renewed crackdown follows the tragic May 18 crash near Dhaniwari village in Dahanu, where a pickup truck travelling on the wrong side of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway collided with another heavy vehicle. Officials said the pickup driver allegedly skipped a designated U-turn located about a kilometre away and instead took an illegal shortcut. In an attempt to avoid the pickup, a southbound truck swerved, causing its container to topple onto the vehicle carrying nearly 50 people returning from an engagement ceremony. The accident killed 13 people and injured 16 others.