Unclog roads: Cops ask schools to change timings

CBD BELAPUR: The traffic police has come up with a solution to curb traffic congestion — they are ensuring that schools in the same region do not have the same timings.

Earlier this week, the traffic police department met with the management of schools and colleges in Vashi and Kopar Khairane asking them to effect changes in their start and close time. The police are planning to hold similar meetings in other areas where there are a large number of educational institutions.

Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Arvind Salve, said: “The timings of most educational institutions are the same. Some areas face traffic issues due to the presence of large number of vehicles at the same time. This affects students, residents and motorists.”

The traffic police have over the years received many complaints in this regard. It was in this context that a decision on the issue was taken. Salve said, “We have held meetings with representatives of managements of 26 schools and colleges of Vashi and Kopar Khairane. We have asked them to consult among themselves and keep a difference of 10 to 15 minutes in their start and end timings.”

Navi Mumbai is fast becoming an educational hub due to the increasing number of schools and colleges. “A large number of educational institutions have come up in the city especially in Vashi, Panvel, Kharghar, Kopar Khairane, and Nerul.

Salve said, “Most schools start at 7am and end at 12 noon. This results in buses and vehicles of all schools crowding the area at the zsame time, leading to traffic jams. Different school timings will help decongest the area.”

Salve said, “We will implement the policy throughout Navi Mumbai. The new timings will be decided before the start of the academic year in June.”

THE TRAFFIC POLICE DEPT ASKED THE MANAGEMENT OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES IN VASHI AND KOPAR KHAIRANE TO EFFECT CHANGES IN THEIR START AND CLOSE TIME