In the bustling western suburbs of Mumbai, the P South ward, encompassing the Goregaon area, presents a stark picture of contrasts and chronic civic challenges. This electoral ward, a traditional stronghold of the BJP, is a unique mosaic of towering residential complexes, gated communities, dense slum pockets, and the verdant Aarey forest. Yet, beneath this diverse surface, residents grapple with persistent problems of incomplete infrastructure projects and widespread encroachment of public spaces.
Unfinished Flyovers and Stalled Roads: A Traffic Nightmare
The area is currently witnessing the execution of two major infrastructure projects: the Mumbai Coastal Road (Phase 2) and the Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR), both under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). However, a long-pending project remains a primary source of traffic congestion. The incomplete "missing link" to the Mrunaltai Gore flyover has been stalled for years, causing severe traffic snarls not just in Goregaon but also affecting the nearby Ram Mandir and Andheri areas.
"One of the key issues I want to resolve quickly is to complete this pending flyover link. It has been a major reason for traffic choking for a very long time," said Sandeep Patel, a former BJP corporator contesting again from ward number 58. Patel, who was also part of the BMC's law committee between 2017 and 2022, highlighted this as a top priority.
The Encroachment Epidemic: Hawkers and Public Space
Beyond stalled construction, the ward battles rampant encroachment on footpaths and public spaces, primarily by illegal hawkers. Given the predominantly residential nature of the ward, these encroachments severely hinder pedestrian movement. The BMC initiated a survey last year to identify legal hawkers and has proposed forming a Town Vending Committee (TVC), a plan pending for nearly a decade.
Former corporators vow to regulate hawking if re-elected. "My focus is on formulating a uniform hawker policy to free roads for pedestrians. In two years, I aim to make Siddharth Nagar and Gajanan Marg entirely hawker-free," stated Sandeep Patel, pinpointing two of Mumbai's most encroached areas located within the ward.
Political Dynamics and Environmental Concerns
Politically, the ward's nine seats were previously held by six BJP and three undivided Shiv Sena corporators. Post the Sena's split, two of the three Sena corporators have joined the Shinde-led faction and will contest to retain their seats. The BJP-Sena alliance expresses confidence in winning at least eight seats this time.
Opposition voices, however, criticize the ruling alliance's tactics. Shiv Sena (UBT) senior leader Amol Kirtikar, who contested the 2024 parliamentary polls from Mumbai North West, alleged, "They are trying to bring down competition by threatening opposing candidates to withdraw." He dismissed defections as a result of external pressure and corruption cases.
Residents also urge the incoming representatives to address pressing environmental issues. "The Oshiwara and Dahisar rivers flowing through Goregaon are heavily polluted with sewage. They need rejuvenation. Also, illegal encroachments inside Aarey forest must be checked," emphasized Manisha Jain, a local resident, highlighting that civic and environmental health are deeply intertwined for the ward's future.
