Piyush Goyal Unveils Plans To Enhance Traffic Management And Sanitation Along Mumbai's Western Express Highway

Union Minister Piyush Goyal reveals a plan to ban heavy vehicles during peak hours on the Western Express Highway, alongside refurbishing public toilets to improve sanitation in Mumbai.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced plans to ban heavy vehicles on the Western Express Highway (WEH) during peak hours. This measure aims to alleviate traffic congestion. Additionally, 79 public toilets along the highway will be refurbished and made fully operational soon. These updates were shared after a five-hour meeting with top officials from various agencies.

During the meeting, held in Borivali West, representatives from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Mumbai police, traffic police, Slum Rehabilitation Authorities (SRA), and other government bodies participated. An official present at the meeting mentioned that Goyal was disappointed by the lack of accessible public toilets along the highway.

Public Toilets and Traffic Management

Goyal emphasised the need for clean and usable public toilets on city roads. He instructed authorities to identify issues with existing facilities and explore options for elevated toilet blocks due to limited land availability. Of the 79 pay-and-use toilets along WEH, major repairs are underway in 58 blocks, while minor renovations are ongoing in 21 others.

The minister also addressed traffic management concerns. "I have been informed that there are 108 heavy vehicles used for various metro works," he said. He directed MMRDA to mark these vehicles with large stickers for identification. While BMC's garbage trucks will be allowed during peak hours, all other heavy vehicles will be banned.

Infrastructure Projects and Environmental Concerns

Goyal discussed progress on infrastructure projects like the Coastal Road extension up to Dahisar and Virar. Work on the Madh–Versova bridge has been expedited, and construction of the Borivali–Thane twin tunnel is expected to start within two months. The minister also addressed environmental concerns by instructing strict legal action against encroachment and mangrove destruction.

He urged SRA and BMC officials to blacklist developers who fail to deliver flats or occupancy certificates on time. Additionally, campaigns promoting cleanliness will be conducted through nonprofits, holding municipal officers accountable for garbage heaps in North Mumbai.

Water Pipeline Inspections and Lake Rejuvenation

The minister directed authorities to inspect water pipelines in northwestern suburbs for damage or leakage by month-end. Ten lakes in North Mumbai will undergo rejuvenation through desilting, cleaning, and beautification under public-private partnerships.

Piyush Goyal's initiatives aim to improve infrastructure, traffic flow, sanitation facilities, and environmental conservation in Mumbai's northern regions. These efforts reflect a commitment to enhancing urban living conditions while addressing pressing challenges faced by residents.