The one thing I’ve realised by living in Mumbai and also by observing other countries is that Mumbai doesn’t really have a bad road network. It’s big, We have highways connecting into the city, and we got quite a few main roads which can handle heavy traffic. Yet, Mumbai traffic is one of the worst in the world with waits up to an hour on certain stretches. Our trains are crowded and buses take the same time as cars if not longer.
So our only salvation is the upcoming metro?
I guess not, considering metro is going to be slower and way more expensive than the Suburban railways considering the current plan where connections are time-consuming and consists of long walks. Also, no metro can handle the Mumbai crowds unless it’s as big as our suburban railway.
So how can we make commute quicker otherwise?
If a city as horrible as London can find salvation then Mumbai is nothing. We need a mega project. India, being the extreme lover of Mega Projects shouldn’t be finding this tough. But, this time the project is not just restricted to building a sea-link or more highways! It’s an investment in complete RTO restructuring. Our exams are too easy. Examiners usually take tests for less than 5 mins per person. They pass the extremely not interest candidates also, by asking for bribes as pathetic as Rs. 200. This just shows how corrupt and inefficient our system is..
How can we help that?
It’s actually rather simple than it seems. Privatisation and tough examinations. If one goes abroad you’ll observe that most people don’t pass their Driving Test on the first go. They require a perfect score. One error and you’re out. Also, for one to be an Examiner at the sRTO it should be a series of tough examinations and training. India is the heart of that anyways.
Why would the Private Sector even bother in such an activity?
Fines and more fines! Just like any other country. Break a signal? Exceeded the parking meter limit? Parked in the wrong areas? Entered the wrong lane? Didn’t wear a seatbelt? You’re fined. With an already established database, it shouldn’t be tough to trace and penalise the lawbreakers. This will also demotivate people from taking a car out and will benefit bodies like BEST which is making losses on multiple routes.
Wouldn’t Buses still be unbearable? Also wouldn’t there be extreme resistance?
I guess both have a similar answer. An overnight transformation will be a nightmare and will definitely lead to some really anti-social activities.
It has to be phased over a period of 10 years. Yes, 10 years. Only then will every single Driving License from Mumbai expire and only then will every person hold a hard-earned License with proper knowledge.
- Phase 1: All new applicants have to appear for a tough exam. Also, mass awareness programs regarding new rules and laws which should be placed into action. Start establishing signals and speed guns at main junctions and roads. And also work towards the elimination of bottle-necks on the Main Roads
- Phase 2: Target Rickshaw, and Taxi unions, with companies such as UBER and OLA by organising separate mass workshops on not only educating the drivers and making them go through tough examinations but also make them advocates of a civic sense on the road. Train them in resolving conflicts.
- Phase 3: Here the government has to start Painting Roads and Establishing Parking meters. Appoint meter readers and formulate an online redressal system with ease of payment of fines. Also, over here big players like PayTM and PhonePe can come into the picture for ease of payment.
- Phase 4: It’s time for the buses to be the preferred mode of transport. Separate Lanes for BEST buses, Kaali Peeli Taxis and Rickshaws. Taxis and Rickshaws being allowed to use the same lane would benefit everyone. Firstly, the lane would be used properly and efficiently. Secondly, this would help as an incentive for the 2nd Phase and create co-operation. Thirdly, the people will eventually realise the benefit of taking public transport leading to resolving the terrible parking problem on the streets.
- Phase 5: Go Underground! Cities like Rome and London are living examples of it. Small underground passages below busy signals can cut wait times by more than half. Also, such projects are cheap and don’t require much time and resources. Heavy duty flyovers are eye sores and also consume unnecessary space and time.
- Phase 6: Hopefully by now the Mumbai metro network is done. Now extensive research on road geometry should be done. Slowly introduce Roundabouts in Dangerous spaces, make people follow lane discipline, Restrict parking in many areas especially on road such as MG Road, SV Road, etc.
- Phase 7: Maintain and constantly work towards improving congested areas.
So what about cars not registered with Mumbai RTOs?
The solution is a bit flawed. If a car is spotted with an RTO which is not from Mumbai then it would be a big procedure of obtaining information from that specific RTO. What can be done is that any resident who has a car with a non-Mumbai registration has to register with his/her license no. on a portal and in case such formalities are not followed then it’s as good as driving without a license. The penalty is seizure of vehicle until such formality is processed and penalty paid.
What about festival season digging for Pillars?
The government can identify spots where pandals set up Mandaps and Stages and certain provisions such as a loop in the footpath across can be done. Also, specific holes with steel lining covered by small caps can be established so that the mandap stays inside its limits and also roads don’t need to be dug up every festival season.
Why Mumbai? Why not some other city?
Mumbai has always been on the frontier of change in India. I always think that Mumbaikars will be ready to adjust and will embrace any change which is for the better. We’re all tired of commute in the city.
PS: I request all readers to forward this article to your friends and family in the hopes that it reaches the concerned authorities. We all want a smart city!
By Meherzad Irani
Ex Editor in Chief , Mithibai College
Image Source: www.somewherelost.com