Bridge work leaves Prabhadevi station approach muddy, raising commuter safety concerns in Mumbai

The inundated road leading to Prabhadevi railway station on Wednesday. Pics/By Special Arrangement

[popcorn number=" SEPT 29" desc=" Day in 2017 when stampede occurred " class="Default"]

Commuters using the narrow approach road to Prabhadevi (formerly Elphinstone Road) railway station have raised concerns after ongoing bridge construction work left the lane coated with mud following just two days of intermittent rain, making movement difficult and reviving memories of the 2017 stampede, which claimed 23 lives.

With portions of the approach turning slushy and congested, commuters said the already cramped passage has become even more hazardous, particularly during peak office hours when hundreds are forced to squeeze through a limited space while navigating puddles and uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of falls and crowd build-up. Several commuters questioned whether adequate planning had been done to manage monsoon conditions amid construction work.

Commuter Speak

Akshay Sutar, who was crossing the stretch last week
‘What will happen when the rains intensify? Pedestrians slow down here because they try either not to slip or not stain their clothes - balancing an umbrella in one hand and holding clothes up with the other while carrying heavy bags on their backs'

Mukesh Makhija, who travels from Ulhasnagar to Worli daily
‘Everyone remembers what happened in 2017. We cannot afford to ignore warning signs until there is another major incident. Why is it that the authorities never learn from the past or wait till something gruesome happens? How many more people should die before the authorities wake up?'