Roads in Mumbai double up as obstacle course, commuters miffed

Residents and activists said long stretches of major roads in Andheri and Juhu are riddled with potholes

While the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) fixed potholes on Bandra roads last week, it is lagging behind on roadwork in Andheri (West). Residents and activists said long stretches of major roads in Andheri and Juhu are riddled with potholes.

Potholes under Versova Metro railway station at Andheri in Mumbai. (Pramod Thakur/HT)

JP Road and SV Road are two perpendicular roads that serve as lifelines for motorists in Andheri (W) and they meet near the chaotic Andheri station.

Residents, autorickshaw drivers and commuters constantly complain about a patch of potholes in front of the market on SV Road.

Residents of Veera Desai Road said the Metro line along JP Road and encroachment by hawkers adds to the congestion.

“Potholes are now worsening the situation. The BMC should not use paver blocks on roads as they weaken the road,” said Kishor Kulkarni of Veera Desai road’s advanced locality management (ALM).

Santosh Kumar, a resident of Andheri (West) and a rickshaw driver for more than 10 years, said, “Many roads in Andheri are in bad shape. No repairs have been taken up and it becomes difficult to drive in certain areas.”

Juhu resident Tanya Fonseca also complained about the yearly problem on Juhu Lane.

“The road that links Veera Desai to SV Road is also bad. It affects all the traffic going towards the highway and flyover,” she said.

Gilbert Hill Road has the most number of potholes in Azad Nagar and this makes it difficult for residents to reach the Azad Nagar metro station.

Valerie D of Caesar Road ALM said only half of the road has been fixed. “The junctions on JP Road have potholes and roads here are fixed partly with paver blocks and partly with tar. There should be a consistency. Also, someone must supervise the work done by contractors.” she said.

Authoritiesspeak

BJP legislator Ameet Satam told HT, “Many roads have to be repaired but not in monsoon. Now, roads will be repaired using concrete or asphalt.”

Vinod Chithore, chief engineer (road repairs) said, “Work on SV Road has been tendered and will start after monsoon. It is a project road and will be improved.”