Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 12: After years of being a persistent traffic bottleneck, the stretch over Agripada Subway on the Western Express Highway (WEH) has been widened, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) adding one additional lane each on the northbound and southbound carriageways.
The move comes in response to worsening congestion following the opening of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension. The 1.5-km stretch from the SCLR landing arm had frequently witnessed traffic snarls lasting up to an hour.
Following the widening, residents and commuters have reported partial relief, particularly during non-peak hours. Prakash Rajwar, a mechanic operating along the southbound service road, said traffic movement has improved in the afternoons. “Because there is an additional lane, more vehicles are able to pass at the same time. We are seeing reduced congestion during non-peak hours,” he said.
Santosh Shinde, another local resident, noted that pedestrian movement has become easier, especially during morning rush hours when commuters head towards BKC. “Earlier, we had to constantly watch out for vehicles. Now walking along the road feels safer and more manageable,” he said.
However, concerns remain. Residents pointed out that the newly widened portion is uneven compared to the existing road surface, raising apprehensions about long-term riding comfort and vehicle wear.
Meanwhile, the northbound service road towards Milan Subway — a key connector between the eastern and western sides of the railway tracks — continues to experience heavy congestion. Locals said that while the main highway has been widened, the service road has effectively narrowed, worsening traffic flow. Some auto-rickshaw drivers have reportedly begun refusing passengers due to delays.
An auto driver recounted being stuck in traffic for 35 minutes. “I couldn’t understand why the road felt so narrow until a traffic policeman explained that the highway widening had made it difficult for vehicles to pass on the service road,” he said.
A senior BMC official stated that the widening of the Agripada Subway stretch has reduced criss-cross vehicular movement, easing traffic flow on the WEH to some extent. Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar said the expansion has brought measurable relief. “Traffic on the WEH has eased to some extent, and local residents are happy as there are fewer vehicles on the service road,” he said.
Bangar further added that, as per the original plan, a new subway is proposed near Milan Subway on the WEH to facilitate smoother traffic movement between the eastern and western sides.
The proposed infrastructure aims to further reduce congestion on the service road and improve overall connectivity.