Mumbai News | Underused BKC cycle tracks to be repurposed, easing traffic chaos

MMRDA has launched a new traffic management plan to tackle severe congestion in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). This strategic plan includes the repurposing of underutilised cycle tracks into vehicular lanes and the introduction of a one-way traffic system along critical roadways. 

With added pressure from the ongoing Sion Flyover reconstruction and BKC’s status as a major commercial hub, hosting nearly 2 lakh employees and receiving up to 4 lakh daily visitors, the move aims to relieve mounting congestion in the area. The plan has drawn flak from the cycling community and activists.

Under the approved plan, several cycle tracks currently lying underutilised in BKC will be converted into vehicle lanes. This conversion is expected to increase road capacity, accommodating an additional 600 to 900 vehicles per lane. Further, street furniture, including signboards, bus stops, trees, streetlights, and more, will be shifted to the footpaths to facilitate this transformation. The widened carriageways will see lane configurations increased from 2+2 to 3+3, resulting in a 50% boost in capacity.

This road expansion is projected to reduce peak-hour travel time from 25 minutes to 15 minutes—a 40% decrease. In addition, the average waiting time at signals or chokepoints is expected to drop from 10 minutes to 7 minutes, reducing idling time by 30%. Moreover, time savings will also lead to a measurable reduction in vehicle emissions.

To complement the road-widening works, MMRDA will also implement a one-way traffic system on select internal roads within BKC. This initiative is designed to reduce vehicular conflicts and ease congestion during rush hours.

The detailed traffic management plan was recently presented and approved during a MMRDA meeting. Officials emphasised that the above measures will offer immediate relief and serve as sustainable long-term solutions for the area.

Spanning 370 hectares, BKC is one of Mumbai’s most prominent commercial and financial districts. With nearly two lakh employees and up to four lakh daily visitors, the area continues to witness surging activity, underlining the urgency of the measures being implemented.