App to inform about traffic situation

Mumbai: This monsoon, Mumbaikars will be able to get information on traffic jams and diversions across the city with the help of a mobile application. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed government authorities to prepare  such an app which will inform people about traffic situation during the monsoon.

In Mumbai several bridges have been shut down for repairs and restoration, which is expected to create traffic problems during the monsoon. The CM on Wednesday held a meeting  with top officials from the BMC, MMRDA, railway, police and traffic departments to discuss the issue. Mr Fadnavis directed the Mumbai traffic police to develop a mobile app taking help of Google Maps, which will inform motorists about alternate routes in areas where vehicular traffic on bridges and roads is closed.

The authorities have been directed to install signboards at vantage points, giving information about bridges and roads that are under repairs and traffic diversions. At specific places near bridges that are under repairs and have marketplaces nearby, par-king facilities have been asked to be earmarked.

If necessary, alternate free-of-cost BEST transport within a radius of 5km has been asked to be made available to those wanting to reach the marketplaces.

There are about 344 bridges in Mumbai, out of which 314 are under the BMC’s jurisdiction while 30 are under the MMRDA’s jurisdiction.  Of the total bridges, 92 have been declared as safe for use, while minor repairs will be carried out on 116 bridges. Major repairs are being carried out on 67 bridges.