Mumbai’s eastern and western suburbs has revealed concerning issues regarding their condition. Many of these subways are dark, poorly maintained, and face significant accessibility issues, making them dangerous and unpleasant for daily commuters.
In the eastern suburbs, Chunabhatti Subway, built over 40 years ago under the Eastern Express Highway, suffers from chronic water leakage and flooding from drains. Local resident Ashok Kalar highlighted the daily struggle of wading through drain water, which floods the subway regularly. Although the BMC installed iron grills at the entrance to prevent seepage, the subway remains in poor condition with cracked walls and a foul smell. Ramabai Colony Subway (Ghatkopar), one of the busiest subways in the eastern suburbs, is plagued by uncleanliness, broken flooring, and stained walls from paan. Despite claims of a security guard presence, none were visible during the survey. The subway is in desperate need of better lighting, CCTV cameras, and regular cleaning. Kurla Subway is closed due to ongoing Metro construction, forcing pedestrians to cross a busy road. Another subway connecting Kurla East and West is overrun by hawkers and is often inaccessible during the monsoon season due to flooding. Mankhurd Subway, located under the railway tracks, is in a deplorable state, frequently flooding during the monsoon and making it unusable. Despite the nearby pedestrian bridge built by the BMC, residents still face significant challenges in navigating this subway.
In the western suburbs, Vanrai Subway (Goregaon), situated near the police station on the Western Express Highway, lacks accessibility for physically disabled individuals. It is not clean, and improvements are needed in lighting, CCTV camera installation, and the addition of ramps for wheelchair users. Gundavali Subway (Andheri), while well-lit and relatively accessible, locals suggest installing CCTV cameras and deploying security guards to ensure safety during the night. Santacruz East Subway (New Agripada) is in relatively good condition with proper lighting. However, it lacks a ramp or platform for wheelchair users, which makes it less accessible. Shankarwadi Subway (Jogeshwari) urgently requires proper steps and ramps for accessibility. The subway also suffers from a lack of lighting and security, with concerns about drug addicts using the subway as a refuge. Bandra East Subway (Subhash Nagar) faces issues such as broken tiles and poor lighting. Like many others, it also lacks a ramp for wheelchair access. Ramnagar Subway (Near Domestic Airport) suffers from poor illumination and does not offer disability access, making it a challenging route for many pedestrians. These findings highlight the urgent need for proper maintenance, accessibility improvements, and enhanced security in Mumbai’s pedestrian subways. With many of these subways left neglected, it is crucial for authorities to address these issues to ensure the safety and comfort of all commuters.