Mumbai Traffic Police Ban Heavy Vehicles on Narrow Borivali East Roads to Ease Congestion

In an effort to reduce daily traffic congestion and improve road safety, the Mumbai Traffic Police have imposed a temporary ban on the movement of heavy vehicles and private water tankers on several narrow roads in Borivali East. The restriction will remain in force every day from 8 am to 9 pm on a trial basis for three months, until April 28.

The decision comes after repeated complaints of severe traffic jams and accidents caused by the movement of large vehicles on roads that are not designed to handle heavy traffic.

Roads Covered Under the Restriction

According to the notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Western Suburbs, Ajit Borhade, the ban applies to the following roads in Borivali East:

• Nirmal Building to Post Office Road No. 12
• Post Office Siddhi Vinayak Building to Kajupada Chowki Road No. 15
• Rear side of Nirmal Building to Shrikrishna Nagar Road No. 13
• Shrikrishna Nagar Road No. 14
• Kajupada Chowki to Savarpada Road
• Kajupada Chowk to Machhi Market Road
• Main Market to Zhagardev Compound, Kajupada and Mane Compound

These roads are extremely narrow and experience heavy congestion, especially due to the frequent entry of private water tankers visiting Mane Compound and Kaju Pada to fill water.

Reason Behind the Decision

Traffic police officials stated that the continuous movement of heavy vehicles on these narrow stretches has led to serious traffic bottlenecks and, in some cases, major accidents. The restriction has been introduced as a preventive measure to protect commuters and ensure smoother traffic flow in the area.

The trial period will help authorities assess whether the restriction effectively reduces congestion and improves safety before making it permanent.

Exemptions for Essential Services

The ban does not apply to vehicles involved in essential services. The following are exempted and allowed to move at all times:

• Vehicles carrying vegetables, milk, bread, and bakery items
• Gas and fuel tankers
• Ambulances and fire brigade vehicles
• Municipal Corporation vehicles providing essential services
• Police vehicles

Authorities have clarified that emergency and daily-need services will not be disrupted by this order.

Penalty for Violations

Citizens and drivers have been advised to strictly follow traffic instructions and use alternative routes during restricted hours. Any violation of the order may invite legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and other applicable laws.

Similar Restrictions in Dindoshi Area

In a related development, Mumbai Police have also imposed three-month traffic restrictions on Padmavati Road in Dindoshi due to ongoing road concretisation work by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The movement of heavy machinery on this stretch had caused significant congestion, prompting police to issue a precautionary traffic order under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Conclusion

The temporary ban on heavy vehicles and water tankers in Borivali East reflects Mumbai Traffic Police’s proactive approach to managing congestion and ensuring public safety. Commuters are urged to cooperate with authorities, plan their travel accordingly, and follow traffic advisories to avoid inconvenience.