31 October,2026 10:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Tarun Verma
The hazardous entry-exit point at the east side of Reay Road railway station. Pics/Tarun Verma
Reaching Reay Road station has become a challenging journey in itself, with a closed foot overbridge (FOB), inadequate access facilities, and a hazardous route forcing commuters to navigate uneven surfaces and cross railway tracks.
The station, which connects commuters to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and other suburban destinations, has two FOBs, but one on the south side has remained closed since 2022, forcing passengers to walk a considerable distance.
However, their ordeal doesn't end even after reaching the other side of the platform. On the east side, the lack of a proper access route leaves commuters with what they describe as a "dangerous trek."
With no proper staircase or designated pedestrian pathway at the east-side access point, commuters say they have to climb what appears to be an old shed or platform-like structure made using stones and rocks. They then have to descend from a narrow corner, cross three railway tracks, and walk along a stretch bordered by overgrown shrubs to reach the main road.
The absence of a safe, clearly defined access route has raised concerns over passenger safety, especially during peak hours when commuter movement increases.
Prathmesh Choche, 30, another Harbour line commuter, said the problem becomes extremely concerning during peak hours. "The narrow exit and entry point could easily become a site of a stampede," he said.
Choche also raised concerns about the safety of senior citizens and women using the route, particularly at night. "The route towards the station on the east side is often occupied by drug addicts, encroachers, and alcoholics," he stated.
He added that the poor condition of the approach makes accessing the station particularly difficult for elderly passengers, effectively limiting their ability to use the railway facility independently.
CR says...
When contacted by mid-day, Swapnil Nila, chief public relations officer, Central Railway (CR), said, "At Reay Road, platforms are already connected by a FOB at the middle of the platform."
On the provision of a proper approach for commuters, Nila said, "The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), through the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), had constructed a new road overbridge (ROB)."
Addressing concerns over access to the station, he said, "The stairs on the ROB intended for public use are to be provided by the BMC."
Responding to CR's statement, a senior BMC official clarified that the Reay Road ROB was constructed by MRIDC, and during the construction, it was mutually agreed that the FOB connecting the ROB to Reay Road station would be built on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis between the BMC and CR.
"Accordingly, in May 2026, BMC made efforts to deposit an amount of Rs 10.87 crore to CR towards BMC's share of the cost. However, the latter declined to accept the said amount. CR is not agreeing to share the 50 per cent cost of the entire FOB as it wants the civic body to cover the entire amount," a civic official said.
The BMC further clarified that a footpath along the eastern side of the station had not been provided because the area was originally occupied by hutments.
On concerns over inadequate lighting, the civic body said the office concerned would be informed.
However, the BMC maintained that the construction of the FOB, its connectivity to the railway station and the associated railway infrastructure would need to be resolved by CR in coordination with the authorities concerned.
With CR and the BMC yet to resolve their differences over the FOB, commuters continue to await safe and accessible entry and exit facilities at Reay Road station. The lack of a proper approach remains a concern, particularly for senior citizens, women and passengers travelling during peak hours.
Javed Shaikh, who travels by local train to CSMT for work
âWe have been writing to the authorities for quite some time. The south-end bridge was closed in 2022 for maintenance work, and since then, we have been waiting for it to reopen. We have almost lost hope of the bridge reopening, but the dangerous route at the east-side entry and exit remains a major concern, and we expect the authorities to make it safe and accessible.'
Ainullah Khan, 63, who lives on the east side of Reay Road station
âGetting to the station is nothing short of a painful journey. I have to walk over stones and pebbles and then climb uneven stairs. At my age, I expect at least a proper walkway to the station. The closure of the FOB had added to commuters' difficulties, forcing them to walk towards the northern end of the platform to access the available bridge.'
