December 30, 2025: Mumbai’s eastern suburb of Bhandup is set to receive a connectivity upgrade with the construction of a new Foot Over Bridge (FOB) aimed at improving east–west pedestrian movement. The project is expected to enable direct and safer walkability across the suburb by removing the need for long detours and unsafe railway track crossings that commuters currently rely on for daily travel between the two sides.
The proposed FOB will serve as a crucial crossing over the Central Railway line, one of the city’s busiest suburban corridors. At present, thousands of pedestrians depend on congested road crossings or distant bridges to move across the railway tracks. Once operational, the new bridge will offer a direct and secure alternative, significantly easing movement across the railway divide.
For daily commuters, the FOB is expected to bring considerable relief. Office-goers, school students and senior citizens travelling between residential neighbourhoods, railway stations and nearby business districts on either side of Bhandup are likely to benefit from shorter and more direct walking routes. The reduction in travel time and physical strain is expected to improve overall commuting convenience.
Access to Bhandup railway station has also been factored into the design. Planned access points near the station are intended to facilitate smoother movement between pedestrian pathways and train platforms. This is expected to reduce congestion at existing entry and exit points, particularly during peak-hour traffic.
In addition to pedestrian benefits, the project is expected to help decongest roads below. By shifting foot traffic away from busy roads and level crossings, the FOB is likely to ease pressure on surface-level traffic and improve the flow of vehicles on adjoining arterial roads in the area.
Safety has been identified as a key focus of the project. The bridge will be equipped with strong railings, anti-skid flooring and adequate lighting to support safe use throughout the day and night. These measures are intended to ensure secure movement during peak commuting hours as well as late evening and early morning periods.
