Following report in this newspaper about poor lighting, authorities illuminate area outside Aarey-JVLR Metro station
Debris piled up on the under-construction footpath near Aarey-JVLR Metro station. PICS/RANJEET JADHAV
Taking serious note of mid-day’s report, authorities have finally illuminated the area outside the Aarey-JVLR Metro station, bringing some much-needed relief to commuters and pedestrians. New lights have been installed around the station premises, while temporary high-beam fixtures have been set up along the road beneath the elevated, under-construction Metro line.
Abhishek Patil, a Shiv Sena (UBT) Yuva Sena member and local resident, said the action followed mid-day’s article and a letter from MLA Anant (Bala) Nar to the authorities concerned.
The illuminated exit of the Aarey-JVLR Metro station after new lights were installed
“One of the residents from Poonam Nagar, who uses the Aqua Line till Aarey-JVLR, informed me that one of the non-functional high-mast lights outside the station has now been repaired. The MMRDA-appointed contractor working on the Swami Samarth Nagar–Vikhroli Metro line has also installed temporary lights beneath the construction site, which is helping commuters and pedestrians on JVLR,” Patil said.
He added, “We’re now hoping that the damaged footpath will be repaired soon so pedestrians don’t have to risk walking on the road.” On October 11, mid-day had published a report, highlighting how passengers struggled to find transport and navigate the dark, uneven stretch due to poor lighting and lack of last-mile connectivity.
Temporary high-beam lights installed under the under-construction Metro line on JVLR
Regular Metro commuters told mid-day that the footpath outside the Aarey-JVLR station remains in poor condition. Due to the ongoing construction of the elevated line, pedestrians are forced to walk on the busy road, putting their safety at risk.
MMRDA’s response
An MMRDA spokesperson confirmed the lighting work is now underway. “The rectification and installation of streetlights and poles near Aarey-JVLR Metro station are being carried out by Adani in close coordination with MMRDA and DMRC. The work is in its final stage and will be completed within this month,” the spokesperson said.
“In the meantime, temporary lighting arrangements have been provided for commuter safety. MMRDA has also initiated the construction of a new, upgraded footpath along JVLR in front of the Aarey Metro station as part of the Multi-Modal Integration (MMI) works. This will improve pedestrian access and connectivity. The work is progressing on priority and will be completed within this month,” the official added.
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