Mumbai: Barricades, unsafe skywalk near Sion station raise pedestrian safety concerns amid bridge construction

The construction has significantly reduced walking space for commuters. PICS/Atul Kamble

The construction of Sion bridge has been moving ahead quite speedily. However, barricades now put up along the entire stretch of one-half of the road on the east side of Sion railway station have led to commuters facing inconvenience.

A narrow passage to the station that feels unsafe after dark

The disruption has affected daily officegoers and pedestrians, especially during the evening rush hours. While the skywalk that was initially shut for repair works has now been opened for public use, pedestrians say that it is of no use to them.

Narrow staircase leading to the new skywalk in Sion

Voices

‘No space to walk'
Nandini Keluskar, commuter

‘It's like a choice between the devil and deep sea. Down, there is no proper illumination or space to walk on the footpath, with the hawkers using up half of it. On top, the skywalk is not a safe place to walk on.'

Women say the dimly-lit skywalk is empty in the evening

‘A safety risk'
Lalita Nikam, commuter

‘The footpaths are broken or uneven in some places, and the tubelights on the skywalk are just for show. The only way to reach the station is either by risking your safety on the skywalk or getting pushed or robbed on the crowded footpath below.'

‘A safety risk'
Lalita Nikam, commuter

‘The footpaths are broken or uneven in some places, and the tubelights on the skywalk are just for show. The only way to reach the station is either by risking your safety on the skywalk or getting pushed or robbed on the crowded footpath below.'

Official Speak

mid-day contacted F North officials but did not receive a response at the time of going to press