In Thane, concerns over unauthorized and dangerous speed breakers have intensified, prompting Deputy Mayor Krishna Patil and the Thane Traffic Police to urge Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao to conduct a comprehensive survey and take corrective action.
In a formal letter, Patil highlighted the growing number of improperly constructed speed breakers that fail to comply with standards set by the Indian Road Congress.
As per IRC guidelines, speed breakers should have a height of around 10 cm and a width of approximately 3.7 meters. However, many across Thane reportedly exceed these limits, posing serious safety risks.
“Several speed breakers in the city have been constructed without adhering to prescribed technical standards. These irregular structures are causing inconvenience to motorists, increasing accident risks, and leading to vehicle damage. They are particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women.“
Krishna Patil, Thane Deputy Mayor
The issue has taken on greater urgency following alarming accident data. According to Patil, nearly 69 fatalities over the past two years have been linked to potholes and poorly designed speed breakers in the district. Areas such as Mumbra, Kalwa, Diva, and Mira Road have reported multiple such incidents.
Thane Traffic Police Blames Speed Breakers for Traffic Congestion
The Thane Traffic Police have echoed these concerns, noting that unauthorized speed breakers are not only a safety hazard but also a major contributor to chronic traffic congestion. Officials claim that many of these structures are installed arbitrarily by local residents without following mandatory norms such as proper dimensions, signage, reflective markings, and appropriate placement.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pankaj Shirsat cited specific examples of the problem. On the stretch between Balkum Naka and Trimandir along Saket Road, more than 10 speed breakers exist within just one kilometre. Similarly, on the Thane–Belapur Road between Kalwa Naka and Vitawa, speed breakers appear every 30 meters, forcing vehicles to slow down drastically and causing long traffic queues extending up to the Thane Police Commissionerate and Central Jail.
