Residents of Lokhandwala Complex in Andheri West have raised concerns over pedestrian safety along a stretch beneath the under-construction Metro Line 6, where inadequate lighting, blocked footpaths and construction activity are making it difficult to walk after sunset.
Local residents, particularly women, have complained that the area between the under-construction Swami Samarth Nagar Metro station and Infiniti Mall becomes poorly lit at night. They have approached the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), seeking immediate corrective measures.
A visit to the area found several sections without functioning street lights. Construction material was also seen occupying parts of the footpath, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road alongside moving traffic. While temporary floodlights have been installed at some locations, other stretches continue to remain dark.
Residents said the problem becomes more serious after nearby shops and commercial establishments close for the day, leaving parts of the route relatively deserted.
Dhaval Shah and Karan Jotwani of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA) said the concerns had already been brought to the notice of the authorities.
Actor Kashmera Shah said, “We have stopped walking on the stretch below the under-construction Metro station near Swami Samarth Nagar and the Metro corridor opposite Infinity Mall after sunset because there are no street lights. After 11 pm, it becomes completely dark and very difficult to walk, which is worrying from a safety point of view. Temporary floodlights should be installed at the earliest, before something unfortunate happens.”
Actor Saumya Tandon also highlighted the impact on pedestrians, saying, “We appreciate that the government is building the Metro to encourage people to use public transport. But it is disappointing that pedestrian safety seems to have been ignored. The contractor carrying out the Metro Line 6 work from Swami Samarth Nagar to Vikhroli has dumped construction material below the under-construction station at the former spot, leaving very little space for pedestrians to walk. At night, the situation becomes worse as there are no street lights below the station. This is a serious concern, especially for women.”
An MMRDA official explains, “The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority are coordinating with Adani Electricity to restore all street light poles and also making temporary arrangements for lighting to provide immediate relief.”
Residents are now seeking faster restoration of street lighting, unobstructed footpaths and better security measures, including CCTV coverage, until Metro 6 construction is completed.
Source: Mid-day
