Residents of Kanjurmarg have voiced serious concerns about deteriorating road and pedestrian conditions at the busy Gandhi Nagar junction, where Mumbai Metro Line 4 and Mumbai Metro Line 6 intersect. They say the stretch beneath the under-construction elevated corridors has become hazardous for both motorists and pedestrians.
The issue has gained urgency following the February 14 slab collapse at an under-construction Metro Line 4 station in Mulund West, which claimed one life and injured three others. Locals claim they had earlier flagged construction-related deficiencies and their impact on the surrounding road infrastructure at the junction.
According to residents, the area is marked by broken footpaths, crater-like potholes, and poorly placed barricades around the construction zone. “Metal frames and barricades are lying at the centre of the road, leaning on the pillars. Many motorists who take a U-turn around these pillars risk dashing into them,” said Shirish Daudkhane, a member of Kanjur-Bhandup ALM. “Moreover, there are large patches of damaged cement roads filled with loose soil, which is causing air pollution. Even the footpath is broken and uneven, making it difficult for pedestrians. Here, too, it seems the concrete slabs of the elevated Metro Line 4 are dangerously placed. We have had meetings with the authorities, too, in the past,” he added.
The junction sees convergence of LBS Road, the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road flyover, and the two metro corridors, with large pillars and steel girders dominating the landscape. During a site visit, barricades were found placed haphazardly, pedestrian paths were uneven and poorly lit at night, adding to safety concerns.
Officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority said that a comprehensive inspection of Metro Line 4 is underway. “Directives have been given for a thorough physical check of every part of this metro line on the elevated portion as well as the road below. Each shortcoming will be documented and addressed, if it can be done immediately,” an official stated.
Source: Hindustan Times
