The Times of India          15.10.2013

Thane Municipal Corporation to build four foot overbridges along Ghodbunder Road

THANE: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has shown interest in developing four out of 10 foot overbridges (FOBs) along Ghodbunder Road. The decision of constructing the 10 FOBs was taken a few years ago, which was held back due to lack of funds and changes in the tendering process.

The FOBs will come up at Fountain Hotel, Chena Creek bridge, Gaimukh junction, Bhayender pada, Ovala, Mucchala Polytechnic, Kasarvadavali, Bramhand junction, R Mall and Tatvagnyan Vidyapeeth. The civic body is interested in building the last four FOBs, while the remaining six will be constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

In a meeting held at Mantralaya last Tuesday with deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, Thane guardian minister Ganesh Naik and MP Dr Sanjiv Naik put forth the need of FOBs along the Ghodbunder Road stretch, owing to its fast development. The minister assured to talk to the chief minister for speedy implementation of this project.

"We have taken necessary permission from the MSRDC for constructing these four FOBs," said TMC chief Aseem Gupta, who was also present at the Mantralaya meeting.

According to statistics provided by the Thane traffic department, around 16 people have died along the stretch this year. Residents said this figure could have been curtailed if the authorities had taken timely action over the repeated pleas to construct FOBs. These could have also ensured the traffic flow didn't slow down because of pedestrians crossing the stretches.

"The Ghodbunder stretch has seen lots of development over the years and with the increasing number of traffic, there is a need to provide facilities for pedestrians also," said MP Dr Sanjiv Naik.

Traffic officials said there have been several mishaps along the Ghodbunder stretch. "There is a heavy flow of pedestrians at certain junctions like the Muchala Polytechnic, Kasarvadavali and Tatvagnyan Vidyapeeth. FOBs were required in these areas," said a cop manning the stretch.

Shalini Sahai, a resident of Kasarvadavli said that the stretch was always busy with heavy vehicles moving to and from Thane city. "I am scared to let my kids cross the roads by themselves and always make it a point that they are escorted. The authorities should not delay constructing these FOBs, as they are an urgent requirement."

Civic activists have welcomed the move but cautioned that the FOBs shouldn't be placed too high to discourage pedestrians, especially senior citizens and pregnant women from using them. "Some skywalks in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai are not popular as they are placed at a height. They should ensure at least 5.5m clearance so that pedestrians can easily access them or provide escalators," said activist Chandrahas Tawde.