More than two months after it was declared dangerous and closed for public use, the foot overbridge (FOB) connecting Tagore Nagar and Kannamwar Nagar in Vikhroli continues to pose a serious risk to pedestrians. Located across the busy Eastern Express Highway (EEH), the defunct FOB has neither been repaired nor dismantled, leaving residents with little choice but to risk their lives daily.
Lives at risk
“The FOB served as a crucial pedestrian link between Tagore Nagar and Kannamwar Nagar. Since its closure, the absence of any alternative bridge nearby has forced people to either illegally use the unsafe structure or attempt to cross the high-speed highway on foot,” said Sanjay Jaiswal, a resident of Kannamwar Nagar.
Residents allege this neglect has already resulted in at least two accidents in recent weeks, involving pedestrians trying to cross the EEH amid fast-moving traffic. “Every morning and evening, we see school children and commuters risking their lives. It is only a matter of time before a major tragedy occurs. Three days ago, two boys crossing the EEH in the evening were hit by a motorist who failed to spot them in the dark. Fortunately, the biker applied the brakes and so a major accident was averted. However, all three were quite bruised,” said Manish Dholam, who runs a garage near the bridge.
College students forced to run across the Eastern Express Highway
There are educational institutions of either side of the bridge, thus making it crucial for the students as well. “Students from schools and colleges would use this bridge daily to cross over. Now we have to risk our lives while travelling, no matter what — whether we try to climb the closed bridge from its edges or decide to cross the busy EEH,” said Mayur Gavan, a college student who would use the bridge daily for the commute between his home and college.
Wastage of time, money
“The two FOBs — one towards Thane and the other towards Kurla — are almost 500-700 metres away. We have to pay almost Rs 50 for a one-way autorickshaw ride to reach home from college. It’s been many months now that the bridge has been shut. Saving money and time means risking our lives, and keeping safe means wasting Rs 100 and an hour daily, despite it being a short commute. If we take the bridge, I reach my college within 10 minutes on foot. But now, if I take an autorickshaw, considering the traffic, it takes at least 20-25 minutes each way,” said Parth Dhanavde, another college student.
Motorists at risk too
Adding to concerns is the fact that the damaged FOB structure still stands over one of Mumbai’s busiest highways. Citizens fear that if not urgently dismantled or repaired, parts of the bridge could collapse onto the road below, endangering motorists as well. “If the bridge is dangerous and the BMC has clearly mentioned that it cannot be used, then why is it taking so long to either repair or dismantle it? Lakhs of commuters pass by daily. What if the bridge collapses? Is the BMC waiting for someone to die before taking necessary actions?” Vikram Sonawane, who uses the EEH daily, questioned.
Official Speak
Alankar Veer, assistant engineer, S ward, told mid-day, “We have done our part by closing the bridge. We had received multiple complaints about the bridge being dangerous, after which our team inspected the spot some six months ago. We had noticed that the flooring was damaged severely, making it difficult for people to walk. Structurally, the bridge is strong and won`t fall as such. However, a few months back, when the bridges department said it would take up the repair works, we closed the bridge. This is all that we can do at the ward level.”
According to Veer, S ward officials also recently wrote to the bridges department to start repair work at the earliest. “They responded saying that the tenders have been floated. We realise the importance of the bridge and are trying to fast-track the work as much as we can.”
‘Crucial link’
Sanjay Jaiswal, Kannamwar Nagar resident
‘The FOB served as a crucial pedestrian link. Now, people are forced to either illegally use the unsafe structure or attempt to cross the high-speed highway on foot’
Mayur Gavan, college student
‘Now we have to risk our lives while travelling, no matter what — whether we try to climb the closed bridge from its edges or decide to cross the busy EEH’
Parth Dhanavde, college student
‘It’s been many months now that the bridge has been shut. Saving money and time means risking our lives, and keeping safe means wasting R100 and an hour daily’
Vikram Sonawane, commuter
‘If the bridge is dangerous and the BMC has clearly mentioned that it cannot be used, then why is it taking so long to either repair or dismantle it? Lakhs of commuters pass by daily. What if the bridge collapses?’
Length of bridge
100-120 feet (approx)
Daily footfall before closure
500-600 people (approx)
