The residents of the Lokhandwala  township have a challenging time to cover the 1.2 km distance (akurli road)  from the township to the western express highway exit .  On a average it takes 15 to 20 minutes to cover this small stretch . We have studied the problem and  we believe it requires a holistic approach to address it . We shudder to think how a ambulance or a fire brigade can come in or go out in case of emergency.  We can look at two approaches , a short term and a long term to address the issue .

Short term : There are potentially four spots which lead to traffic clogging , near Mahindra yellow gate , near the garbage collection spot , near hanuman temple  , near the sports complex exit.

We would recommend implementing the following :

1. No commercial  heavy vehicles to ply from 9am to 9pm . Mahindra trucks to use other gate or ply during non peak hours.

2. Stop parking of trucks, buses , LCVs , autos and taxis on the road. Because of the rampant parking only one lane is available for usage on either side. It is ironical that there is a LCV tempo stand near hanuman Mandir and the entry , exit and parking of these vehicles causes disruption of traffic . There is also a taxi stand near the shiv sena office which hinders smooth exit to the highway. Parking of buses and trucks should be completely banned.

3. Garbage trucks, LPG and other commercial trucks should be allowed only during non peak hours.

4. It is important to discipline the  auto drivers who merrily drive on the wrong side and bring the traffic  to a standstill. Also , taking a "u " turn at the hanuman Mandir and parking in front of the yellow gate causes a snarl .

5. I believe because of the volume of traffic the existing traffic police and marshals are unable to manage the traffic . More importantly , for whatever reason they are not able to enforce discipline . This needs to be addressed .

6. The sewage work  on the road has accentuated the problem , there is excavation at 4 major points which adds to the woes.  Moreover, there is no end date in sight to complete the work .

Long term :

1. There has to be at least two more exits from lokhandwala . We have no update on the road connecting Thakur complex , currently there is a narrow lane .  There is also a half completed road from the complex which was to reach dindoshi . There is no update on the same too.

2. If Mahindra can be requested to use the highway gate for its vehicles , it will immensely ease the traffic.

3. The residents have been hearing about a plan about a 80 ft  akurli road .  Not sure if it is part of any plan.

This is along pending demand of he residents and will help a safer and smoother commute and also handle transportaion during emergenicies quiet effectively .