Temporary lighting has been installed beneath the under-construction Swami Samarth Nagar Metro station in Lokhandwala, Andheri West, following concerns raised over poor illumination in the area. The move came after a report highlighted safety concerns faced by residents, particularly women, while walking along the stretch after dark.
Members of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA) said the contractor responded to the concerns raised after the September 7 report and installed temporary lights below the Metro structure. Some construction material was also shifted from the area.
However, residents say the measures have only partially addressed the problem. They are now calling for the remaining construction debris, material and container cabins occupying the footpath and areas beneath the station to be removed.
When the location was inspected on September 11, a few temporary lights were visible beneath the Metro structure. However, construction material continued to occupy portions of the footpath and the area around the station.
Residents Seek More Lighting
Yukti Pal, who regularly uses the road, said the additional illumination was welcome but more lighting was required along the entire stretch.
‘It is good to see that authorities have finally installed temporary lights following mid-day’s coverage, but I think more lights should be installed on either side of the stretch because this road is used by many devotees during Ganeshotsav. The authorities must also remove construction material and container cabins on the footpath, as they force pedestrians to risk their lives walking on the road’
The concern is particularly relevant with Ganeshotsav approaching, when pedestrian movement in the area is expected to increase.
Footpath Clearance Remains a Concern
Komal Mehta, a Lokhandwala resident, said improved lighting would not be enough unless pedestrian pathways were made accessible.
‘With Ganeshotsav just a few days away, the authorities have installed temporary lights, but what about the construction material that is still lying on the footpath and road below Swami Samarth Nagar station? During Ganeshotsav, the road sees increased pedestrian movement and leaving the footpath blocked endangers them’
Dhaval Shah and Karan Jotwani of LOCA said the installation of temporary lighting was a positive response to residents’ concerns, but stressed that clearing obstructions remained necessary.
The stretch beneath the Metro station is expected to see heavier pedestrian activity during the festival, making unobstructed footpaths particularly important.
While the contractor’s installation of temporary lights has improved visibility compared with the previously dark stretch, residents say the immediate priority now is to clear construction material and restore safe pedestrian movement.
The issue highlights the challenge of maintaining pedestrian safety around ongoing Metro construction, where temporary infrastructure and stored materials can reduce usable walking space.
With Ganeshotsav around the corner, locals are seeking quicker action so that both residents and visitors can use the road safely after dark without being forced onto the carriageway.
Source: Mid-day
