Commuters using Mumbai’s Reay Road railway station continue to face difficulties due to a closed foot overbridge (FOB) and inadequate access facilities. Passengers say the absence of a safe pedestrian route, particularly on the eastern side, forces them to negotiate uneven surfaces and cross railway tracks to reach the main road.
The station, which provides connectivity to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and other suburban destinations, has two FOBs. However, the bridge at its southern end has remained shut since 2022, compelling passengers to take a longer route to access the available crossing.
The situation is particularly challenging at the eastern entrance, where there is no proper staircase or designated pedestrian pathway. Commuters have to climb an old shed-like structure made of stones and rocks, descend through a narrow corner, cross three railway tracks and walk beside overgrown shrubs to reach the road.
Prathmesh Choche, 30, a Harbour line commuter, warned about the risks during busy periods. “The narrow exit and entry point could easily become a site of a stampede,” he said.
Highlighting concerns for vulnerable passengers, he added, “The route towards the station on the east side is often occupied by drug addicts, encroachers, and alcoholics,” he stated.
Central Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila said, “At Reay Road, platforms are already connected by a FOB at the middle of the platform.”
Regarding the approach road, he said, “The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), through the Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC), had constructed a new road overbridge (ROB).” He added, “The stairs on the ROB intended for public use are to be provided by the BMC.”
A senior BMC official said the ROB was built by MRIDC, with the FOB planned through an equal cost-sharing arrangement between the civic body and Central Railway.
“Accordingly, in May 2026, BMC made efforts to deposit an amount of Rs 10.87 crore to CR towards BMC’s share of the cost. However, the latter declined to accept the said amount. CR is not agreeing to share the 50 per cent cost of the entire FOB as it wants the civic body to cover the entire amount,” the official said.
The BMC cited existing hutments as the reason for the missing eastern footpath and said concerns over lighting would be conveyed to the relevant department.
Meanwhile, commuters Javed Shaikh and 63-year-old Ainullah Khan said the prolonged FOB closure and hazardous approach continue to make accessing the station difficult, particularly for elderly passengers. With the BMC and Central Railway yet to settle the cost-sharing issue, safe and convenient access remains unresolved.
Source: Mid-day
