The situation at the Bhaji Market Gully near Borivli railway station has become dire, with illegal vegetable vendors taking over the area. This has led to three major BEST bus routes – 244, 246, and 277 – being diverted, causing traffic congestion on SV Road and surrounding areas. Despite a Bombay High Court order requiring hawkers to maintain a distance of 150 meters from railway stations, the lane opposite Borivli railway station’s western side has been overrun by vegetable vendors.
The lane, known as Bhaji Market Gully, is situated between the Borivli police station and metropolitan magistrate court on one side and a municipal market on the other. This has forced cars and two-wheelers to use LT Road, designated for one-way traffic, as an alternative route. The constant blockage of Bhaji Market Gully by hawkers and vendors has resulted in daily traffic jams at the Chandavarkar Road junction.
Residents in the area have expressed their frustration with the situation, highlighting the BMC’s inaction against the vegetable vendors. Despite the presence of a dedicated market space nearby, vendors continue to occupy the road, leading to further congestion. The closure of the police station’s back gate due to hawkers occupying the road has added to the challenges faced by residents and commuters in the area.
The impact of the hawker market on bus routes 244, 246, and 277 has been significant, with buses being diverted to Chandavarkar Road to avoid the congestion. This has disrupted the daily commute of passengers and exacerbated the traffic situation in the area. Authorities have acknowledged the issue but cite challenges such as manpower shortages and the persistent return of hawkers despite regular crackdowns.
As residents continue to grapple with the ongoing issue, the bottleneck at the Chandavarkar Road and SV Road junction has become a focal point of frustration. The presence of hawkers on one lane of SV Road has only worsened the congestion, prompting calls for immediate action to address the situation. While efforts are being made by the BMC and police to address the issue, the lack of sustainable solutions remains a concern for residents and commuters in Borivli.
The disruption caused by the hawker market highlights the need for coordinated efforts between local authorities, law enforcement, and residents to find a lasting solution to the problem. As the situation persists, it is essential for stakeholders to work together to ensure the smooth functioning of public transport and the safety of all individuals in the area.
