January 27, 2026: After months of delay and mounting safety concerns, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has demolished the foot overbridge (FOB) at Vikhroli, previously declared structurally unsafe. The ageing bridge, which served thousands of daily commuters, had been closed after inspections revealed serious defects.
“Every time we passed under or over the bridge, there was fear that something could collapse,” said Sanjay Jaiswal, a resident who frequently used the FOB. Motorists on the busy Eastern Express Highway shared the worry. “I use the Eastern Express Highway daily. You keep thinking, what if I’m the unlucky one?” said Nitin Mane.
While demolition removes the immediate danger, it has created a new set of challenges. With no alternative crossing in place, pedestrians are now forced to cross the high-speed road at ground level, exposing them to significant accident risk. The timeline for constructing a new FOB remains unclear, adding to commuter anxiety.
“No public infrastructure work gets done quickly, and if it is rushed, quality suffers. It’s a lose-lose situation for common people. We hope authorities complete the new bridge without compromising on safety,” said Mayur Gavan, a college student who relied on the FOB daily.
Residents have also raised concerns about leftover hazards following demolition. Portions of the staircases still hang precariously on either side of the road. “The bridge is gone, but the dangling stairs themselves look dangerous,” Jaiswal added.
Civic officials confirmed that plans for a replacement FOB are underway. “The tendering process has begun, and work should start soon,” a BMC spokesperson said. Temporary safety measures will be introduced to protect pedestrians until the new bridge is completed.
The Vikhroli FOB case highlights the tension between urgent infrastructure safety interventions and the challenges of maintaining pedestrian access in a densely trafficked urban corridor.
Source: Mid-day
