A huge traffic jam was witnessed on both Western and Eastern Express Highways on Monday amid eased restrictions in lockdown 5.0.
Thousands of office goers hit the streets with their private vehicles. It would be hard to tell from the the jams that the city was still reporting a daily increase of cases and continues to be at the top of the table for cases across cities in India.
Though most of the activities have still been restricted, all private offices have been allowed to operate with up to 10 percent strength as per requirement.
In the eased restrictions, the state government has allowed movement of people with 1 + 2 members in cabs and auto-rickshaws.
Although two-wheelers are not allowed to take pillion riders, several commuters were seen traveling with a pillion.
Traffic Jam on Eastern Express Highway.
There were also huge queues for the BEST buses at various places.
Mission Begin Again Phase 3: Long queues in Borivali to board BEST buses as city starts to emerge out of COVID19 lockdown
01:27
The Western side of the city, especially from Bandra to Kandivali, houses several companies and corporate offices.
Many Twitter users took to social media platforms to share the images of traffic jams.
“The coronavirus is going to have a blast I say. Why have restrictions at all now? Open the malls, restaurants etc too in the name of spirit of Mumbai. We are so doomed now COVIDIDIOTS,” said a Twitter user.
Mumbai: Traffic Jam on Eastern Express Highway
01:21
Another Twitter user said that the entire western express Highway northbound is free-flowing but for the bridge at Vile Parle Domestic Airport shut. “For no reason! Jam created !!! Traffic police pls look into,” the user said, tagging Mumbai police.
There is traffic from morning 8 am to till now, said another user, commenting, “It’s constant traffic that shows us how people really care about corona situation with 25946 active cases.”
In photos: Crowds flock to Marine Drive, Juhu beach as lockdown restrictions ease
Mumbai itches to go back to routine
As lockdown restrictions ease, the crowds increase. Mumbai’s iconic Marine Drive and Juhu beach saw scores of people enjoying a Sunday outside after months of lockdown. This sight would have been a normal one if it was pre-COVID. But six months of 2020 in, with a pandemic still rising to its peak, the sight was a frightening one. Although bare precautions were taken — such as wearing masks — the lack of social distancing raised concerns among many over social media.
Many are now itching to get back into routine and resume their day-to-day activities — the traffic jams provide enough evidence. While the eased restrictions allow individuals to head outside to get a breath of fresh air and exercise throughout the morning, the guidelines strictly ask individuals to follow social distancing and wearing face masks. Yes, it’s not easy being cooped up inside homes, especially in Mumbai, where some live in spaces that are very cramped but here’s hoping that while Mumbaikars step out, they also keep an eye on their own safety and hygiene. Maharashtra has already crossed China’s numbers on coronavirus cases and Mumbai still has the higest number of cases across all cities in the country. Photo by Deepak Turbhekar/MMCL
A crowded Marine Drive
Photo by Deepak Turbhekar/MMCL
A crowded Marine Drive
Photo by Deepak Turbhekar/MMCL
A sea of restless citizens
Photo by Deepak Turbhekar/MMCL
Mumbaikars’ Sunday outing
Photo by Nilesh Wairkar/MMCL
Sunday out at Juhu beach
Photo by Nilesh Wairkar/MMCL
Is wearing face masks enough?
Photo by Nilesh Wairkar/MMCL
Sunday out at Juhu beach
Photo by Nilesh Wairkar/MMCL
Mumbaikars’ Sunday outing
Photo by Nilesh Wairkar/MMCL
Stay Safe, Mumbai
Photo by Nilesh Wairkar/MMCL
Source: https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/coronavirus/news/mumbai-massive-traffic-on-western-and-eastern-express-highways-on-monday/articleshow/76255552.cms
