Mumbai's Andheri West connector left in unsafe state for two years

Preparing to cross over on the stretch

A connector in a premium Andheri West area, leading to Infiniti Mall and behind Citi Mall, was demolished two years ago. This structure, which was approximately 30 metres (approximately 100 feet), connected both sides of the road and was used by pedestrians and vehicles.

Sheets form a base on which people have to tread

It has been lying unfinished and in disrepair for close to two years. Vehicles now take a turn some distance away to access the other side.

A crane lies inside the dug-up cavity, attesting to the long-stalled work

Pedestrians have the roughest time as they have to cross over through a makeshift access. This temporary connector comprises metal sheets, after which they have to walk on cables and pipes. One missed step on this treacherous stretch of ‘pagdandi' may result in a debilitating fall inside a muddy ditch.

A cyclist traverses the precarious pathway. Pics/Atul Kamble

The nauseating stench of garbage envelopes the area as one side of this connector has become a rubbish dump. "People from all around come in and throw debris. It is a festering garbage disposal spot," said locals, pointing to a number of bags loaded with rubbish at the spot.

Soon, soon

Local corporator Rupesh Savarkar said, "I have asked for a joint meeting with the BMC officer concerned and the contractor for a review of the work and the timeline. I assure locals that once I have this meeting, I will ensure that the work is expedited and completed soon."

Anand Shirali, Sandesh Kadam, and Mukesh Sanghavi on a building terrace in the area

Locals Speak

Anand Shirali, Andheri resident who has to access this space for work
‘A slip or fall on this temporary structure can be very hazardous, especially for kids and senior citizens. It is hard to believe this is an upscale area with sky-high real estate prices, but deplorable conditions'

Sandesh S Kadam, project management consultant and civil engineer whose office is in area
‘This is an upscale area, with dizzying real estate prices. I am wary of calling people to meet me at my workplace, which is just a building away. This has become a frustrating wait, and the space is unhygienic and unsafe'

Mukesh Sanghav, Andheri resident
‘How are we supposed to cross over to the other side?" asked businessman and resident Mukesh Sanghavi. "We have seen little to no progress since two years; work should have been speedily completed. Every local and others who have to negotiate this space for any reason, is troubled'

Arvind Jethalal, A general/provisions store owner
‘Business was good a couple of years ago. Today, customers have decreased, as nobody wants to cross this. I do get orders on the phone, but my staffers need to cross this connector - if one can even call it that - with bags. They have to be very cautious, and I am careful about them carrying weight'

Sanjeev Singh Pal, Andheri resident
‘Our local representatives promised ‘beautification of this area' while campaigning. Then, why are we holding our noses while standing here? There is no security or supervision. Imagine how precarious this will get in the monsoon'