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Thane traffic in a complete mess Ashwin Aghor Thane is one of the fastest growing cities in the state and the most-preferred destination of middle class people. At the same time, the city has become a virtual mess when it comes to traffic. The situation is totally out of control of the Traffic Police, particularly during rush hours. Autorickshaw drivers occupy a major portion of the road while the ever-increasing number of housing societies along the Ghodbunder Road has added to the traffic problems. As if this was not enough, the repair works on the road that began in February last year have resulted in fatal road accidents. The Traffic police are never on duty, especially during the morning and evening rush hours. The problem is so severe that it takes 45 minutes to reach Thane from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the same time to cover seven km in the city. Traffic rules on the road from Mulund Check Naka to Thane railway station are flouted right under the nose of the Traffic Police. All the autorickshaws carrying five and more passengers from Mulund Check Naka to Thane railway station pass via Teen Hath Naka, where at least three Traffic Police constables are present. But everyone is busy collecting 'fine' from two-wheeler owners for wrong parking. Advocate Anil Aggrawaal says, "If such violations on busy roads go unnoticed, there is a serious problem that needs correction. Either the Traffic Police is either not aware of the violations or they don't want to notice it." The situation at Anand Nagar Check Naka is pathetic during morning with heavy vehicles occupying all the three lanes on the road to Mumbai, making it impossible for other small vehicles to maneuver through. Ironically, the problem remains unsolved despite the city police chief D Sivanandhan himself repeatedly informing the Traffic Police officials about the matter. DCP (Traffic) Dr Dnyaneshwar Chavhan says, "We are taking action against errant autorickshaw drivers and thousands of cases are registered against them every month. Regular meetings with autorickshaw union leaders are also being held." ACP (Traffic) Tanaji Ghadge however blames the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for the problem. "There are no zebra crossings at signals and a majority of traffic signals are defunct, despite frequent reminders to the authorities concerned." Nitin Deshpande of the Forum of Alert Citizens, Thane (FACT) says "Private vehicles should not be allowed in the station during rush hour and public transport given priority." Deshpande feels the area outside Thane railway station is not being used to its fullest. "TMC has given around Rs60 lakh to Railways over the last decade to construct a flyover connecting Thane East and West. But the money seems to have gone down the drain," he alleged. ACP Ghadge blames it all on shortage of men. "It is impossible for us to manage traffic in the city with such a severe manpower crunch." The current strength of Traffic Police in Thane is 256, which includes one DCP, one ACP, two Police Inspectors, four Assistant Police Inspectors, six Police Sub Inspectors, 21 Assistant Sub Inspectors, 78 head-constables, 74 police constables and 31 woman police constables. URL : http://digital.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?edorsup=Sup&queryed=7&querypage=7&boxid=30919442&parentid=37795&eddate=04/07/2007 |
