MUMBAI: Mumbai motorists face the worst traffic jams in the world, according to a recent global study based on statistical analysis of GPS data. The report said commuters in the city spend 65% more time on the roads during peak hours than when the roads are free. It put the city ahead of Bogota, Lima, Delhi, and others as the most congested city on its TomTom Traffic Index 2018. In comparison, a New Yorker spends 36% more time on the roads during peak hours.So, why did things come to such a pass and will it get any better? Activists point out that the situation may only get worse in monsoon."If the BMC wants to shut down a particular stretch, then alternative routes have to be planned to be able to bear the extra traffic burden," says a traffic police officer."Parked vehicles, encroachments and construction debris have to be cleared from these alternative routes. Also, the BMC should consult the traffic police before finalising a bridge closure. Instead, they inform us after the decision is taken and leave us to deal with the chaos."The traffic police also point out that in many cases, there is no indication on when the reconstruction of bridges would begin.