120 Motorists Fined as Challans Issued for Unauthorized Stops on Mumbai Trans-Harbor Link (MTHL)
Traffic Police Issues Challans to 120 Motorists for Unauthorized Stops on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link
Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu, witnessed a surge in unauthorized stops and parking for photo sessions, prompting the traffic police to issue challans to 120 motorists within just two days of its inauguration. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has raised concerns over this behavior, emphasizing the need to prevent such halts on the bridge.
Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu, witnessed a surge in unauthorized stops and parking for photo sessions, prompting the traffic police to issue challans to 120 motorists within just two days of its inauguration. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has raised concerns over this behavior, emphasizing the need to prevent such halts on the bridge.
Despite ‘No Stopping’ signs prominently displayed on the bridge, videos and pictures posted on social media by MMRDA reveal numerous instances of vehicles parked on the service road. This trend poses potential safety risks, especially considering the bridge’s 100 kmph speed limit.
Authorities acknowledge that this may be a temporary phenomenon but stress the importance of immediate action to prevent untoward incidents. MMRDA has urged the traffic police to monitor and penalize violators effectively. A senior official from MMRDA stated, “We have brought the matter to the notice of the traffic police and asked them to monitor the situation and prevent motorists from stopping on Atal Setu.”
Since its inauguration on January 12, approximately 25,000 vehicles have traversed the MTHL. However, instead of treating it as a transit route, some individuals have turned it into a scenic stopover. This behavior goes against the established speed limit and traffic regulations.
Transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar emphasized that while the Atal Setu is a new highway, flouting rules is unacceptable. He reassured that traffic police presence is maintained on the sea bridge, and action will be taken based on complaints.
M Ramkumar, additional commissioner of police (traffic), confirmed that manual challans were being issued to commuters violating ‘no parking’ rules on the MTHL. He further stated that the traffic police are awaiting access to CCTV footage to identify and penalize motorists caught violating parking rules.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pravin Padwal issued a stern warning, stating that strict action would be taken against motorists halting on the MTHL, including the registration of offenses under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. He urged motorists not to stop their vehicles on Atal Setu, emphasizing the inherent danger to lives, both their own and those of other motorists.
In response to the situation, MMRDA has been advised to install additional ‘No Stopping, No Halting’ boards on the bridge to deter motorists from violating traffic rules. As the city gears up for the Road Safety fortnight starting January 15, authorities emphasize the need for compliance to ensure the safety of all commuters on the MTHL