India, Feb. 7 -- An exasperating wait for the state transport minister at the Dahisar toll naka on Thursday has led to a push to ease traffic congestion at one of Mumbai's key entry points. The minister, Pratap Sarnaik, has instructed the authorities to designate separate lanes for heavy vehicles and regular four-wheelers, to ease the persistent gridlock here.

Sarnaik told Hindustan Times that the decision was based on his personal experience as a minister, who despite having a police convoy, had to wait 10-15 minutes during morning peak hour at the toll plaza. "I dread to think of the predicament of motorists, who wait 20-30 minutes in traffic. Citizens face this despite our government removing toll collection at the naka," he said.

"I...