Thane: In a first of its kind initiative for Thane, the residents, experts, netas and traffic police have joined hands together to sort out the traffic congestion issue that is haunting the city streets, BJP MLA Mr. Sanjay Kelkar informed.
Mr. Kelkar who is heading a group of citizens, activists and government agencies including the traffic police said they all have jointly decided to ease the congested west side of the Thane railway station area on a trial basis. He said this initiative of forming a team of experts, residents, political class and bureaucrats and police officials was possibly the first in recent times to solve the issue of traffic congestion haunting the city limits. The team is likely to focus on other problem spots also if their pilot project is successful, said Mr. Kelkar.
The joint team conducted a joint survey following experts and residents came up with solutions and suggestions which will now be compiled by the traffic police and made ready for implementation on a trial basis. If this pilot project is successful, the plans will be finalized, he said.
Mitesh Shah, a local resident and trader said the present restrictions were causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to local residents. “People wanting to travel to Gokhale road had to take a long circuitous route. We have demanded few diversions which may be implemented during the next few days”, said Mr. Shah in his letter to the traffic police.
Meanwhile, Mr. Datta Kamble, Deputy Commissioner of Police, traffic said the team has noted suggestions including setting up a permanent traffic police outpost in the area along with relocating the taxi stand in addition to removing few barricaded access from the Alok Junction towards Gokhale road among others.
It may be noted the formation of this team comes close on the heels of repeated complaints of traffic congestion around the Thane railway station area that witnesses lakhs of inter and intra-city passengers accessing it. The stretch especially outside Alok hotel is chaotic making it difficult for pedestrians and private vehicles to move.
“A final draft of the suggestions will be ready in few days after which we will implement them on a temporary basis and analyze the results,” said Kamble.
Meanwhile, Thane municipal commissioner Mr. Abhijit Bangar has also assured to look into the issue of traffic congestion after he assumed office. “I have been apprised of the traffic menace plaguing the city limits. I will look into the same one junction at a time,” he said while addressing a group of media persons after assuming charge.
