mid-day Impact: Sion commuters get brighter and cleaner skywalk

The Sion skywalk is shrouded in darkness on April 2. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE

The long-neglected skywalk outside Sion railway station has been made fully usable, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) finally installing tube lights and carrying out a cleanliness drive on the structure.

The move has brought relief to daily commuters and residents, many of whom had been demanding immediate repairs and maintenance for months. Welcoming the civic body's actions, residents pointed out that safety concerns persist.

The reconstruction of the century-old Sion bridge has been progressing quickly. However, with barricades now in place on the entire one-half of the road on the east side of Sion railway station, commuters are facing mounting inconvenience.

The walkway is illuminated on Thursday night. PIC/SHADAB KHAN

No lifts yet

Smita Prabhu, A pedestrian
"Reaching the station is hard for pedestrians, with work being carried out on the road, leaving no space to walk on. Making the sky-walk functional was necessary. Though there are no escalators, which makes it difficult for senior citizens, it is better than walking on an excavated road."

Safety issues persist

Nandini Keluskar, A pedestrian
"Cleaning and lighting were urgently needed, and we are happy the BMC finally acted. But without security personnel, many people, especially women, still feel unsafe using the skywalk after dark. Skywalks with low footfall should have security guards, CCTV."

2024
Year Sion bridge was closed for demolition