The absence of reflectors on the concrete dividers at the onset of the Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road (GMLR) bridge has raised concerns and contributed to accidents in the area. On September 8, a car collided with one of these dividers because the driver failed to notice it while traversing the flyover. Without prompt action from authorities, this problem is poised to result in more accidents along this stretch in the future.
The GMLR bridge, spanning 2.9 kilometers, serves as a crucial link connecting Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune. Since its opening, it has played a pivotal role in alleviating traffic congestion at key intersections, including the Shivaji Nagar junction, Bainganwadi, and the Deonar dump. The BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) had previously implemented measures such as height barriers and concrete blocks to segregate lanes on the flyover. Additionally, access to the flyover was limited to exclude two-wheelers and heavy vehicles. However, there has been a surge in incidents where cars have collided with these blocks.
Faiyaz Alam Shaikh, the founder of the Govandi Citizens Forum, reported a recent accident on Friday when a car collided with a concrete block at the start of the GMLR flyover. The forum also shared video footage of the collision. Motorist Ramesh Shetty expressed concern, questioning whether authorities were waiting for a more severe incident to prompt action. Shetty pointed out that while the concrete blocks were positioned close to the beginning of the GMLR flyover on both sides, there were no hazard warning lights or reflectors in proximity, making it challenging for drivers to identify them.