June 23, 2025: Commuters in South Mumbai are raising alarm over prolonged closures of key pedestrian subway entry points at the busy Five Road Junction near Metro Cinema. With Entry/Exit points 3 and 9 sealed for weeks, pedestrians—including students and persons with disabilities—are forced to brave heavy traffic to cross the junction.
The pedestrian subway, once praised for offering a safe route beneath the notoriously chaotic junction, is now undermined by the continued inaccessibility of its vital gates. Exit 9, located beside the landmark Metro Cinema, has been closed for over a month, while Gate 3 has remained shut for nearly three weeks—both due to ongoing ceiling repairs and maintenance.
These closures are particularly hazardous during the monsoon, as rain-slicked roads and poor visibility have made surface crossings even more dangerous. Students from nearby colleges report daily struggles, describing the situation as life-threatening. “The subway used to give us a stress-free, safe passage,” said a student. “Now we’re back to dodging speeding vehicles in the rain.”
The impact on those with mobility challenges is even more severe. The lifts installed at subway entries are non-functional due to waterlogging, leaving wheelchair users and others with walking aids stranded. “Climbing stairs on crutches isn’t an option. And crossing that road feels like a gamble,” said one commuter.
A security guard at the site confirmed that ceiling works and water accumulation have caused the disruption, but no timeline for reopening has been communicated.
Given the junction’s notorious traffic conditions, the closures highlight a lack of urgency in safeguarding pedestrian access. As Indian cities strive for inclusivity and accessibility, Mumbai’s civic agencies must prioritise maintenance and timely repairs. Safe pedestrian infrastructure is not optional—it’s fundamental to dignified urban living.
Source: Urban Acres
