For three years, an incomplete foot-bridge at Charni Road is forcing fed-up locals to shell out for platform tickets or cross tracks illegally; now, with the BMC finally depositing funds, the bridge is expected to be completed by July 2025
The bridge was initiated by Western Railway but stalled after construction began three years ago, due to lack of permissions from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
For the past three years, thousands of citizens have struggled to travel between Charni Road West and East due to an incomplete foot overbridge (FOB). The bridge was initiated by Western Railway (WR) but stalled after construction began three years ago, due to lack of permissions from the BMC. The bridge was declared unsafe in 2022 and razed in 2023. Now, with the BMC finally depositing funds, the bridge is expected to be completed by July 2025.
In the meantime, commuters are forced to enter the railway station and buy platform tickets just to cross over. The only alternative is a far-off bridge near KG Mittal Hospital, inconvenient for those near Girgaon Chowpatty.
The under-construction bridge in Charni Road. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
Speaking to mid-day, citizens expressed frustration and urged the BMC and Railways to stop the blame game and finish the project.
On Wednesday, mid-day spoke to local residents, college students, and senior citizens who regularly use Charni Road station. All demanded that the authorities expedite the construction.
Jagriti Tripathi and Aishwarya Tiwari
Jagriti Tripathi, Wilson College students Aishwarya Tiwari and Jagriti Tripathi said:
“This bridge was convenient to reach the east side. Now we have to walk a lot more through the station. We go regularly for food, but are forced to use platform no 1 due to no nearby bridge.”
Balkrishna Lad, 66, a Mumbai Central resident, said:
“I visit Chowpatty and the east-side market regularly. Earlier, the bridge was functional, but it’s been incomplete for years. I had to buy a monthly pass from Mumbai Central to Churchgate just to avoid buying platform tickets every time I cross.”
Reena Rai, 50, visiting from Rajkot, said:
“We came to Chowpatty but couldn’t find a nearby bridge to go east. The KG Mittal bridge is too far, especially with kids and elders.
We had no option but to cross the tracks, if we get caught, we’re ready to pay the fine.”
Beena Daundkar, a Colaba resident, said:
“I recently visited Thakkar Hall and had to cross via the station without a ticket. This bridge was built by the British with public convenience in mind.
Today, many walkers from east to Marine Drive face the same issue.”
Karhaan Maulvi and Yohann Lobo (left), Wilson College students said:
“We visit Charni Road East daily for snacks. We use the railway bridge as we have valid passes. But many are fined for crossing without tickets. Either allow free crossing or finish the bridge quickly.”
Krushna Sasane, from Matunga, said:
“I visit Chowpatty often, and this incomplete bridge has been here for years. There’s no other option nearby. We’re forced to use the station to cross.”
Railways & BMC clarify
A Railway official explained, “The east-side landing of the FOB remains in place near the Western Railway HQ. The span over Marine Drive was dismantled by the BMC. Structurally, the bridge over the tracks is sound and can be extended.” He added, “In a January 2025 joint meeting, it was decided that the Railway would resume construction. The BMC has deposited the required funds. Foundation work is done, drawings and approvals are final, and work began in March. The bridge will be ready by July 15, 2025.”
Manish Valanju, assistant municipal commissioner of D Ward, confirmed, “The bridge will be built by the Railway. We’ve approved the work. It will be ready soon.”
Activist slams delay
Rights activist Jeetendra Ghadge said, “In the last 10 years, the bridge was functional for only two. BMC and the Railway keep blaming each other. It was restricted pre-lockdown, demolished in 2023 citing safety, and reconstructed by the Railway, but the ramp landing wasn’t done due to BMC’s inaction.”
“Many morning walkers from East to Marine Drive are affected. This delay is due to poor coordination. Authorities must complete it immediately,” Ghadge added.
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