Mid-Day Specials | The unseen toll of traffic: How Mumbai's congestion is endangering your health

Mumbaikar Anushna Attavar travels from Lalbaug to her office in Andheri East daily, but it has never been smooth. While other Mumbaikars travel by the well-connected local train, she is busy getting road transport to her destination, which is supposed to be the better option. She expresses, "Kaali-peeli taxis don't even stop to ask where you're headed, and if they ask - eventually they will respond with ‘Bohot trafficwala road hai' and will not go. Even the roads are plagued with heavy traffic and unnecessary potholes that make it difficult to travel by road in Mumbai." The city-based publicist's journey to the office should not take more than 40-45 minutes a day, but how much time does she spend on the road? Easily anywhere between 1 hour to 90 minutes, which is almost double the time. "There are significant bottlenecks near Santacruz and Dadar, but it seems like no one notices," she adds.

Attavar is one of many Mumbaikars who travel by road daily. However, the journey is never pleasant, and neither is it fast. With each passing year, travelling in Mumbai by road is becoming difficult, frustrating and tiring. The city boasts of several mega projects over the years including the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Coastal Road and most recently Atal Setu apart from the many metro construction projects that have not only hampered traffic but also damaged pre-existing roads that were once better than they are today. It is not only the traffic but also the effect of it that leads to short and long-term issues on one's health, according to doctors. In fact, the 25-year-old says she has also got sick due to all this. "I have suffered from migraines due to being stuck in traffic with constant air conditioning, noise pollution and headlights that only make it worse." So, are all the infrastructure projects worth it?

Mumbaikars and their travel woes
It only turns from bad to worse because of the many Mumbai metro projects that are underway leading to most of the city being under construction all the time. It would be hard to not see the city without the blue Metro construction boards in parts of the city. They are not only never-ending but also reduce the already bad roads into half leading to congestion and traffic through most routes for people travelling to work in Andheri, Bandra Kurla Complex and Lower Parel among other areas. When this writer put out a call on social media to speak to Mumbaikars with travel woes, he was met with an overwhelming response of people wanting to express their travel woes highlighting how frustrated people are in the city about their road travel.

Alisha Patel is another Mumbaikar like Attavar who has been relying on road travel over the years, but it just seems to be getting worse in her experience. She explains, "I live in Andheri West and my office is in Worli. I prefer taking a cab to work because it is more comfortable, and I don't want to reach office sweaty and tired, but the traffic has gotten worse over the years. I have been travelling to office by road for 2.5 years now, and have seen both the time taken, as well as costs for cabs increase over the years."

While it would earlier take her about 45 minutes by road, today it takes her 90 minutes, just like Attavar, and this is in the opposite direction. "I generally leave my house by 8:30am, and I end up reaching office at close to 10am. Even the cab prices have increased to almost double since I started travelling to office in late 2021 when a cab would cost about Rs 400 but today this is Rs 700-750." Having lived in Mumbai over the years in Andheri, Patel airs out every Mumbaikar's issue. "There is less space on the roads, leading to jams and congestion due to all the digging and construction. There is not a single road along my route that is not dug up because of the metro and coastal road work."

Along the 32-year-old's route, she has observed some major bottlenecks at stretches in Worli, and Bandra, which have a lot of traffic. "These two areas are both under "development" because of the coastal road and metro. I don't think these are being addressed at all, as the roads have become worse with each passing day. Now with the coastal road being opened up in Worli, there is a new jam just before the start of the Worli side of the Sea Link, owing to vehicles getting off the Coastal Road," she adds.

Nishant Chawla, another Mumbaikar, adds to the list of bottlenecks as he says even Mith Chowki and Malad Signal and Juhu Circle being the latest one due to new metro development has made life difficult as he spends almost 90 minutes one way in Mumbai to travel by road. "I have to leave quite early every day, due to the increasing traffic in Mumbai and random dug-up roads with metro construction work ongoing; it is a total mess. The expected time of arrival has drastically increased in western suburbs," he adds.

Also Read: Auto-rickshaw chaos at Bandra station: Who will address daily struggles of Mumbai commuters?

Chawla points out that while he doesn't currently feel sick due to the travel, the increasing pollution daily, it is going to affect every Mumbaikar's health in the long run. Even Patel says it often leaves her sick. "The long travel is tiring and makes me feel very fatigued. In addition, the potholes and traffic contribute to making me feel queasy and uneasy, and I often need time to just settle my system once I reach home or office daily," she adds.

Mumbai doctors highlight effects on the body
If Mumbaikars expressing their frustration about the never-ending travel woes isn't enough to make the local authorities improve the situation, then Mumbai's health experts say prepare for the worst. They are also throwing caution to every single person who is travelling by road to work. More than anything else, it starts with the back, says Dr Mazda Turel.

The brain and spine surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central says Mumbai's roads offer a challenging rollercoaster experience for your body due to the numerous potholes and speed breakers scattered throughout the city. He explains, "Extended travel on these rough roads can result in significant neck and back pain, potentially accelerating the degeneration of your joints. The constant jostling and impact from such conditions can lead to discomfort and long-term health issues. The relentless wear and tear from navigating these road conditions makes it crucial to be aware of the strain they place on your body." He further adds that prolonged exposure to such bumpy and uneven surfaces can exacerbate musculoskeletal problems, and highlights the importance of taking precautions to safeguard your health while traveling.

Dr Turel says one should pay attention to the different symptoms that may present themselves after travelling by road in Mumbai regularly. He explains, "If you experience considerable stiffness in your back, or if your back pain extends down into your legs, it's important to pay attention to these symptoms. Similarly, neck pain that radiates into your arms, accompanied by tingling or numbness, or difficulty in turning your neck from side to side should not be overlooked. These signs could indicate underlying issues that require prompt attention. Ignoring such symptoms might lead to worsening conditions or more severe health problems." It is also why the Mumbai-based doctor recommends choosing a four-wheeler over a two-wheeler. "It reduces the physical impact and jarring sensations on your body. This is particularly important for long-distance journeys."

He suggests the following tips while driving on the road in and around Mumbai:
1. Take breaks every 30 to 45 minutes
While it is wise to opt for shorter trips, most people do take long trips. During these trips, it is important to make stops, exit the vehicle and stretch your muscles. This practice prevents you from sitting in one position for extended periods and helps alleviate pressure on your spine. Regular stretching during long trips can significantly reduce the risk of developing back pain and discomfort from prolonged sitting.
2. Stay well-hydrated and exercise regularly
Staying well-hydrated is crucial, as proper hydration helps maintain joint lubrication and reduces wear and tear. It is also beneficial to regularly engage in exercises that strengthen your neck and back muscles. By consistently building these muscle groups, you enhance their ability to endure the impact and stress associated with travel. Incorporating these precautions into your routine can help safeguard your musculoskeletal health and improve overall comfort during and after long journeys.

Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, Internal Medicine Gleneagles Hospitals Parel, says it takes a toll on the entire body. She explains, "Traveling by road can be a stressful experience for some, especially for those suffering from motion sickness. Road journeys in Mumbai can have several effects on your body due to traffic, uneven roads, and increased pollution. Sitting in a small space for a longer duration without taking frequent breaks can lead to severe back and neck pain causing discomfort. One can experience respiratory distress due to high levels of pollution especially the ones with existing conditions like asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases), and bronchitis."

Dr Agarwal says travelling by road can lead to many different kinds of issues and the symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, chest pain, dizziness, episodes of vomiting, severe headache, back pain, numbness in your legs, dehydration, gas, bloating, indigestion, lack of appetite, nausea, vision problems, feeling suffocated, mood swings, irritability, and skin problems. "One shouldn't overlook these symptoms if they last for more than a few hours or even days. They can indicate several underlying health issues such as viral infection, cardiovascular diseases, neurological problems, gastroenteritis, and stroke," she adds.

The Mumbai-based doctor recommends the following tips:
1. Take frequent washroom breaks
Ensure that you take frequent washroom breaks as controlling urination for extended periods can be harmful to your kidneys.
2. Support for your back
Use cushions to support your back and neck for comfortable posture while traveling. Opt for loose-fitting clothes with breathable fabrics like cotton and linens to minimize discomfort throughout the journey.
3. Carry first-aid kit
Make sure that you carry a first-aid kit while travelling. Your first aid kit can include essential items like bandages, cold compressions, antiseptic wipes, antibiotics, ORS, and over-the-counter medications for conditions like headache, diarrhoea, body pain, and nausea. If you are someone who frequently gets motion sickness while travelling, then you should consult your doctor in advance for prescribed medicines.

Just like Dr Agarwal, Dr Hemalata Arora, senior consultant, Internal Medicine, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, further shares, "Long periods of sitting in a poor posture causing lower back problems like sciatica, lumbar disc disease, lumbar canal stenosis leading to numbness, tingling in the legs, pain the buttocks, thighs and legs. Bending forward to read the mobile if not driving, causes neck problems of a similar kind with neck strain, and cervical spondylosis. Long periods of driving in traffic can cause anxiety, increased BP, and mild to moderate rage problems. If travelling in an open vehicle, exposed to the pollutants, both air and noise, causes hearing problems, bronchitis and allergies."

Arora further suggests the following tips while travelling by road:
1. Adopt correct posture
It's important to adopt a correct posture to avoid long duration of screen viewing especially in moving vehicles. Use listening-only devices but not while driving.
2. Use masks
While travelling by road, it's important to use masks, ear plugs and other protection if exposed to air/noise pollution.

Driving through pollution and its effects on skin and hair
While there is an effect on the spine and entire body while travelling by road, one cannot ignore the effect it has on the skin and hair too. As air pollution increases, many people forget that their skin also gets affected. So, how does travelling by road in Mumbai affect your skin? Dr Shareefa Chause, city-based dermatologist, Shareefa Skin Care Clinic, explains, "The dry and humid environment of Mumbai can be harmful to your skin and hair health while travelling. This can easily dehydrate your skin making it look flaky and dull. If you are travelling during the daytime there's a higher chance of sunburn, tanning, and premature skin aging due to harmful UV rays. Your scalp can become dry and sensitive due to prolonged exposure to dirt, and dust particles in the air."

Being constantly exposed to the fluctuation in temperature while travelling by road in Mumbai triggers skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, adds Dr Chause. "Pollutants, dust, UV rays present in the air can significantly cause oxidative stress which can lead to the early onset of premature skin aging such as wrinkles or fine lines" It is not only the skin but also the pores on the scalp that can get clogged due to these pollutants resulting in inflammation and irritation while stripping out its natural oil.

Travelling can take a toll on one's skin and hair. One must use a moisturiser, and sunscreen recommended by the doctor only. Stay hydrated enough to flush out toxins from the body. Use a scarf to cover the hair while traveling to prevent further damage, and opt for a serum suggested by an expert. Carry a hat or a cap to save your hair from the harsh rays of the sun, and fizziness. Don't leave your hair open while traveling and tie them gently. Avoid tight ponytails or hairstyles that cause hair breakage. A sleek bun or a braid is a good option."

Dr Chause suggests the following tips to travel on Mumbai roads:
1. Use a moisturiser and sunscreen
While travelling by road, use a moisturiser and sunscreen recommended by the doctor only.
2. Use a scarf
It is important to use a scarf to cover the hair while traveling to prevent further damage. Opt for a serum suggested by an expert.
3. Carry a hat or a cap
Carrying a hat or cap can save your hair from the harsh rays of the sun and fizziness. Don't leave your hair open while traveling and tie them gently. Avoid tight ponytails or hairstyles that cause hair breakage. A sleek bun or a braid is a good option.

Why metro construction is doing more harm than good
Mumbai-based civic and environmental activist Zoru Bhathena who has been vocal about civic issues and environmental issues in Mumbai over the years isn't shy to admit that the way Mumbai is dealing with traffic is creating more problems for the city than solving it. He explains, "There are so many projects going on. The government decided to make an entire network of Metro lines. It is an excellent plan but execution and implementation are cock-eyed because you have lines that are not connecting to other lines, not connecting to existing public transport and they also don't connect to the existing railways. Mumbai is historically run on railways. There is a Western Railway, Central Railway, and a Harbour Line and there is beautiful BEST bus system, which is used to connect the entire system."

However, Bhathena says the metro lines, which have been made, are in "the most odd places in the most odd routes. So, how will it solve the base problem? We have also seen the monorail, but nobody uses it. This is also how the metro lines are being planned and most of them will become into monorails." With the most ambitious and prominent example being Metro Line 3 which will connect Cuffe Parade to Andheri SEEPZ to Aarey, it is a little too much too late. He explains, "This line was planned in the 80s when people used to go to Cuffe Parade and Colaba for work, where Nariman Point was the business hub. Now, the business hub has gone to BKC and Andheri and offices in Cuffe Parade and Churchgate or Fort area are empty."

The fact that residents are leaving the city means that it also has a declining population that has moved over the last 20-25 years to Navi Mumbai and north Mumbai. "So, the metro line that has been planned in the 1980s is being executed in the 2020s. Once the line starts from Cuffe Parade to SEEPZ. How will I use this metro line from SEEPZ, when I want to go home, if I live in Virar or Thane?" he poses a simple question, continuing, "If I am working in BKC, what will I do by going from BKC to Andheri if I don't live in Andheri?"

While this is only one example, it is the same issue with all the other metro lines in the city except Metro 1, which goes from Ghatkopar to Andheri, highlights Bhathena. He explains, "It is the only metro which is jam-packed for two reasons. It connects the Central Railway to the Western Railway. So, people who have to cross over now to go to Central line, and get packed at Dadar for changing, now they can go over with the metro. People who can afford the metro go from the metro, and people who can't afford still go to the other station and change. So the maximum rush is at two stations, Ghatkopar and Andheri."

While one may wonder about the connection of metros to road travel woes, Attavar, Patel and Chawla have all highlighted how the metro construction has hampered their daily travel, and in the process of creating more lines, it has only got worse creating more traffic at every other junction along the way. Even Bhathena himself has started travelling by the local trains or metro instead of his car from Khar to Charkop after the metro construction on the highway only made the traffic bad to worse.

The never-ending roadway projects
It is not only the metro construction but also the unnecessary flyovers in the city that are making it worse to travel by road in Mumbai, says Bhathena. He explains, "In the 1990s, they started with making flyovers on Western Express Highway. First, they made it to one signal, then the traffic moved to the next signal. So, they built another one and the next signal, then the next signal. They finally made flyovers over every signal. Now when you are stuck in traffic, you are stuck on top of the flyover in the traffic and that means the flyover is not working." "The rules of traffic flow is that the more roads and more bridges you make, you create more traffic, according to the city-based activist. "The simplest way to curb traffic is not to allow cars to move freely, which is done in London. There is a surcharge. You want to come inside London, you have to pay," he adds.

With only 2-3 per cent of Mumbai actually using cars as compared to the larger population who uses public transport, the constant investment of crores of money in building the likes of the Coastal Road, Bandra-Versova Sea Link and Bandra-Worli sea link. It will not only increase the number of cars on the road but also traffic especially because even as the capacity of the roads is to accommodate a certain number of cars, it is going to see a lot more cars come in leading to congestion and traffic even on the likes of the coastal road and sea link.

Mallika Bhavnani, who travels daily to work from Peddar Road to Andheri East has to face this very issue every day. She explains, "While infrastructure projects like the metro and coastal road have undoubtedly improved connectivity, they have also created new bottlenecks. For example, the junction at BKC, where the metro construction is ongoing, has become a major traffic chokepoint There has also been an increase in vehicles in general leading to increased traffic congestion in certain areas. Specific junctions like Worli and Breach Candy, especially during peak hours, are notorious for traffic congestion. These bottlenecks can significantly increase travel time."

Bhavnani says the coastal road has helped ease up the traffic in areas that would otherwise always see a surge of cars like Peddar Road, which was always a nightmare to drive through. "Being a resident there, I would just dread having to take a U-turn to go to the opposite side due to the traffic hold up. However, its impact on overall traffic patterns at the openings at Worli and Breach Candy has become worse," she adds. Now, the Mumbaikar spends at least 45 minutes on a route that would usually take her 25 minutes because she can't take the coastal road, and the alternate routes including Worli and BKC only have bottlenecks that make life difficult. "Despite efforts to address them, the congestion remains a significant issue. Sometimes the traffic reaches right up to the Sea Link causing a massive jam. The deployment of traffic police at these junctions often leads to more confusion and delays, rather than improving traffic flow," she adds.

Bhathena reminds us that it is no different for the likes of Gokhale Bridge, which was closed for two years and there was only chaos after that. It led to people who he knows went from Andheri to Juhu beach for a walk, completely stop going because they didn't want to get stuck in unnecessary traffic. It is no different for the Atal Setu that was recently inaugurated this year. He asks, "After spending so much money, has it helped the public? The answer is no."

The fact that these projects are harming the green cover in the city only makes the whole situation worse. He explains, "Any project they do in Mumbai, there is no space, so they will only go through the green cover as that is the only space available." According to media reports, Mumbai has lost over 21,000 trees in six years to help materialise infrastructure projects like the metro and road projects. Calling it ‘Devilopment' and not development, Bhathena concludes by saying, "The only solution for Mumbai today is don't touch it. Whatever it is, the way it is, improving it is actually deteriorating it. So, stop improving it. This story of improvement needs to stop. Just maintain the existing infrastructure."

Globally, the case on pollution and carbon emissions only gets worse as only last week Starbucks's newly-appointed CEO Brian Niccol is going to travel from California to Seattle over 1,600 km every week instead of relocation. It didn't take long for people to poke fun at the decision with most people pointing out the hypocrisy in their sustainability goals.