Two-month power blackout turns skywalk outside railway station into a zone of booze, fear, and zero safety for walkers
Even as Mumbai builds new skywalks, the Dahisar East skywalk remains in darkness with no working lights, leaving commuters to navigate with mobile flashlights. Pic/Nimesh Dave
Just outside Dahisar East railway station, the connected skywalk has been in complete darkness for the past two months due to non-functioning lights. Residents say they are forced to rely on mobile phone torches to navigate the stretch at night. They also allege that people drink, smoke, and create a nuisance on the skywalk, making it unsafe for women, children, and senior citizens.
Rinku Dave, a teacher from Dahisar East
The skywalk, nearly 500 metres long, is used daily by thousands of commuters and locals travelling between Dahisar station and SV Road. Residents claim that since the lights stopped working two months ago, many people have stopped using it altogether. They say the structure, meant to provide safe passage over busy market roads, has instead turned into a hazard.
The Dahisar East skywalk has had no functioning lights for two months, pushing commuters to use mobile flashlights at night, even as new skywalks are constructed elsewhere in Mumbai on 07/12/2025. Pic/Nimesh Dave
Rinku Dave, IT assistant teacher at Poorna Prajna Education Centre, said the lack of lighting has completely undermined the skywalk’s purpose. “A skywalk without lights becomes unsafe, especially during evening and night hours. Dark pathways create fear and discomfort for our students and us, too. We feel insecure using them because poor visibility can lead to accidents such as tripping, falling, or missing steps. Additionally, dark and isolated skywalks may invite incidents like theft, harassment, or other antisocial activities. As a result, instead of using the skywalk, we choose to cross the road directly, which increases the risk of accidents.”
She added that authorities must take responsibility for upkeep. “Authorities must understand that constructing infrastructure is not enough. Regular maintenance and safety provisions are equally important. We have informed all students not to use this skywalk.”
Jyoti Trivedi, who frequently visits the area, says she stopped using the skywalk after nuisance activities increased in the dark. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Residents living nearby also say the stretch has become a nuisance spot. Prachi Patel, a teacher who lives opposite the skywalk, said, “This skywalk is in front of my society. Daily, I see people smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs and more. This skywalk is not safe at all. Earlier I used it every day, but after the lights stopped working, I feel too unsafe. I do not use it anymore. The BMC should fix the lights on the skywalk, which will help people.”
Frequent users of the stretch share similar concerns. Jyoti Trivedi, who visits her mother in the area, said she has stopped using the skywalk entirely. “My mother lives in this area, and I regularly visit her, so I used this skywalk often. But for the last two months, I have stopped using it. People are drinking alcohol on it. Couples are also seen standing there. I personally think the skywalk is unsafe even for couples. It takes only three to five minutes to cross it, but it does not feel safe at all.”
Preeti Hrishikesh Kotian, a local teacher
Residents also want regular policing and surveillance restored. Preeti Hrishikesh Kotian, a teacher, said, “For the last two months, there have been no lights on the skywalk. Police should regularly patrol this stretch and take action. We need this skywalk to be free from nuisance. There are no CCTV cameras here, which could help improve safety.”
500 mts
Length of the skywalk
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