When the iron bars were installed on approach to Ajni Railway Over Bridge (ROB), the flow of traffic slowed down. Initially, the commuters heaved a sigh of relief that they would be able to cross the ROB safely. However, now, chaos and confusion have become order of the day as the traffic gets choked at the bars. Taking cognisance of the hardships faced by the commuters and to help save the Century-old bride, Janaakrosh, an NGO working in the field of road safety, has come up with a solution. Ashok Karandikar, a senior member of the organisation, visited the bridge, studied the traffic flow and prepared a map of ground reality and probable solution to the issues. The solution that Janaakrosh suggested includes installing traffic signals at the junction where road from Shivaji Science College, FCI Godown, Jail road and Ajni bridge joins. According to the NGO, traffic signals with timers on the four directions should be installed. These signals will prevent the chaos at the junction, feels Karandikar. Some experts feel, merely installing traffic signal will not be enough to curb traffic-jam at the junction.

 

Traffic policemen should be deployed to streamline the vehicular movement. According to Karandikar, the iron bars installed on both ends of the road should be removed from the exit point on both directions. This will allow the free movement of traffic towards exit and will surely bring down the time duration of static load on the bridge and traffic congestion. Karandikar also said, “The divider should be provided in the middle of the bridge. It will bring discipline in vehicular movement on the bridge and prevent commuters from jumping lanes. Secondly, removal of canalisers on both sides can lead to free approach to the RoB at the West end.” Another problem that Karandikar noticed is of heavy vehicles approaching the bridge from Mamu Tea Stall. These vehicles reach the bridge and get stuck at the entrance of the bridge due to installation of iron bars to restrict entry of such vehicles.

 

The movement of U-turn by such vehicles stalls other vehicles for a long time, leading to traffic-jam. According to Karandikar, who did a lot of study on the Ajni bridge, the board prohibiting entry of heavy vehicles on the bridge should be put on display much before the approach point of the bridge. For example, on the road that comes from Medical Square, it should be put near Wanjari Nagar bridge. The driver will see the board and get diverted on the wide Wanjari Nagar bridge. Such vehicles will not disrupt the traffic. Janaakrosh, under the leadership of its Secretary Ravindra Kaskhedikar, met Sarang Awad, DCP (Traffic) and submitted the suggestions. Awad, who is very keen on resolving the issue, had visited the bridge at least 20 times, assured the team of taking measures on the suggestions.