Vikhroli residents say crumbling walkway, a haunt for drug users, is too risky to use after dark, want authorities to rebuild it
The skywalk, which will connect Vikhroli railway station with the Metro 4 Green Line. File Pic/Atul Kamble
In the wake of complaints about anti-social elements openly drinking and doing drugs on the Vikhroli skywalk, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) officials visited the site in August. However, residents said such activities haven’t abated, and the walkway is still unsafe after sunset.
Sanjay Yelve, president of Vikhrolikar Vikas Manch (VVM), a citizen group focused on local improvement, said, “What’s the point of this skywalk if it’s being misused for unlawful purposes?”
A senior official from the civic body’s bridges department stated, “During the site visit, MMRDA officials said they would need the skywalk as they plan to use the existing infrastructure to connect Vikhroli railway station and the Metro 4 Green Line, which is being constructed on the Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg.”
Mario Rodrigues, a member of the Vikhrolikar Vikas Manch (VVM), said, “Even if they use the skywalk to connect both modes of transport, we don’t know how many people will use it. If the walkway is going to be there, it needs to be properly maintained, and a security system must be put in place.”
He added, “The skywalk will see no crowds when the Metro and railway stations are closed at night. This will leave a window for people to do whatever they want after dark.”
The skywalk was partially dismantled due to the construction of the Vikhroli road overbridge, and parts of it still stand on both sides of LBS Marg. Residents say they need to be removed entirely to avoid untoward incidents. Both the MMRDA and BMC, however, have been silent on this subject.
And though the authorities plan to boost connectivity for commuters, the issue of traffic congestion under the skywalk has gone unaddressed by any authority.
“The skywalk, if it is going to be used by the MMRDA, will need to be completely redone. It has broken tiles and lights, which have to be reinstalled as well. We just want a safe enough stretch for pedestrians,” said Rodrigues.
mid-day reached out to the MMRDA to learn its plans about the skywalk, but didn’t receive a reply by press time.
Aug
Month officials inspected skywalk
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