Mumbai: Residents flag maintenance lapses on Santacruz skywalk

Loose light fixtures are a common sight on the Vakola skywalk. PICS/MADHULIKA RAM KAVATTUR

At least six of the light fixtures on the 1.2-kilometre-long Vakola skywalk are either loosely attached to the metal beams of the structure's ceiling or hanging by a single wire. Residents say this is a recipe for disaster, and despite informing the authorities, no action has been taken.

The skywalk, which allows easy access between SV Road and Kalina Military Camp in Santacruz West and East, respectively, is riddled with multiple issues, from hawkers to a lack of a roof over a newly constructed section.

Loose light fixtures are a common sight on the Vakola skywalk

Light fixture is a feature of public infrastructure which easily gets overlooked by commuters due to not always being in the line of sight, but pedestrians say that when the fixtures are broken and damaged to this extent, they get noticed, and it's just a matter of time before they fall.

Issues that plague skywalk

>> Lack of maintenance
>> Hawkers at the western end of the structure
>> Missing roof at the eastern end
>> Electrical wires covering the walls

A spot at the eastern end of the structure where a light fixture can be seen dangling. PICS/MADHULIKA RAM KAVATTUR

According to the authorities...

>> A tender was called for the installation of lights and allied electrical fixture work
>> The sub-engineer, electrical department, of H East ward, inspected the skywalk on February 8
>> Another inspection was carried out on February 16

Locals lament

Reynold Abraham, Santacruz East resident
‘My wife and I have been noticing the deteriorating state of the light fixtures. The skywalk is plagued by many issues and urgently requires maintenance. If a fixture falls, it is not just that there would be less illumination, but pedestrians could be severely injured'

Ivan Pais, Santacruz resident
‘I have been talking to the authorities on behalf of the St Anthony's Street Welfare Association for a long time now, and have spoken to them multiple times about how the skywalk requires maintenance and is getting worse day by day, but I have not received a single reply stating that work will start. Our concerns are being ignored'

Maxim Fernandes, member, St Anthony's Street Welfare Association
‘The lights are just one of the many issues. Before the pandemic, when a new part of the skywalk was inaugurated, the authorities claimed the skywalk would be regularly maintained, but no such thing has happened'

1.2 km
Length of the skywalk