The Coastal Road in Mumbai has reduced traffic congestion and reduced travel time of Mumbaikars. But, the commuters have a serious concern about sign boards on the route that needs to be addressed soon. Commuters claim that sign boards are small and often lead to confusion. Earlier this month, a 19-year-old girl died and a 22-year-old girl sustained injuries after their car crashed into a divider on the Coastal Road near Haji Ali. After this fatal accident the Mumbai Police recommended installing digital large and visible sign boards to improve safety.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering this proposal from police and has shortlisted three spots across the Coastal Road to open traffic chowkies and police stations. The civic body says that this will ensure quick response from authorities in times of emergencies.
The signage on the road adheres to Indian Road Congress (IRC) guidelines for color, size, and placement according to the BMC rules. The signage follows the pattern of:
- Mandatory signs - marked with red circles
- Cautionary signs - marked with red triangles,
- Informative signs - marked with blue rectangles.
The sign boards are retro-reflective with high-intensity sheeting for enhanced visibility.
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Sign placement adheres to the precise road layout and traffic circumstances as directed by the BMC, and Marathi is used where necessary. Commuters, however, claim that there is a lack of continuity and that the majority of the signboards are placed in undesirable places. In several places, signboards are erected where the roadways truly divide.
The Municipal Corporation has been requested to erect digital signage boards on the Mumbai Coastal Road, said Anil Kumbhare, Joint Commissioner (Traffic Police). To avoid accidents in the future, the request contains guidelines for the frequency and location of signage.
Amit Saini, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs), said that their internal department will carry out a study to determine whether installing digital signboards on the Coastal Road is feasible, taking into account the necessary size and placement, after receiving a letter from the traffic police. Additionally, 28 speed detection cameras are being installed along the road, 50 meters apart.
The BMC has set aside Rs. 8 crores to install cutting-edge cameras to keep an eye on fast-moving automobiles. The municipal organisation has also designated three important sites for police and traffic chowkies: the Worli parking lot, the Love Grove Flyover, and the area close to Tata Garden. To maintain peace and order on the Coastal Road, police officers will be positioned at these areas around-the-clock.