Mumbai’s Subway Divide: Why Are Mumbai’s Suburbs Being Ignored? BMC Faces Backlash

Mumbai's subways, vital for pedestrians navigating the city's crowded streets, reveal significant gaps in maintenance between the city and the suburbs. A recent mid-day inspection highlighted that while subways in areas like Churchgate, CSMT, and Metro Junction, Fort are well-maintained, the situation in the suburbs is quite different.

The Mahim subway, which has been closed since the pandemic, exemplifies the neglect faced by suburban areas. Similarly, the Sion subway struggles with cleanliness, inadequate security, and structural issues. Civic activists have raised concerns about the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) favouring South Mumbai, despite the suburbs contributing significantly to property taxes.

1. Metro Junction Subway

One of the largest subways in the city, the Metro Junction subway, is clean and well-maintained. It features eight entry points, daily cleaning, and proper security. However, pedestrians have requested better signage and clearer illustrations inside the subway.

2. Churchgate Subway

A major thoroughfare in the city, Churchgate subway has been plagued by hawker nuisances. During the inspection, it was noted that the BMC had taken action to remove hawkers, but some still returned in the evenings.

3. Sion Circle Subway

This subway is relatively clean, with two security guards stationed and daily cleaning services. However, some entrances, particularly gates 1 and 5, are not wheelchair-friendly as they are elevated.

4. Mahim Subway

Originally planned in 2008 to connect Veer Savarkar Marg to Lady Jamshedji Road, the Mahim subway has faced repeated closures. It was shut due to nuisance from beggars and reopened intermittently after constant pressure from locals. In 2020, the BMC partially constructed a new subway near Mohammad Ali Rogay Garden, but the project was scrapped due to the Metro 3 line passing beneath Lady Jamshedji Road. Despite spending over Rs 3 crore, the subway has remained unused for the past four years.

Local resident Irfan Machiwala stated in the mid-day report, "We proposed converting the subway into a medical centre, public library, or study space for students, but there has been no response from the BMC." Another resident added in the same report, "BMC officials told us the subway was closed because of drug addicts causing a nuisance at night."

5. Sion Subway

The Sion subway, located near the BEST depot, is in reasonably good condition, with daily cleaning and a security guard stationed. However, paan stains are still visible on the walls, and some pedestrians have raised concerns about safety. "There are only two security guards for five access points. More are needed," told one commuter to the mid-day team.

6. CSMT Subway

Known for being one of the busiest subways, the CSMT subway appeared free of hawkers during the inspection. However, pedestrians noted that some hawkers returned late in the evening. Local resident Sanjay Gurav pointed out in the report, "After office hours, hawkers return. The BMC should deploy its own security to tackle this issue."

7. Civic Activists Criticise BMC

Civic activists have strongly criticised the BMC for what they claim is biased treatment of South Mumbai. Godfrey Pimenta, a civic activist, accused the BMC of neglecting the suburbs, saying, "The suburbs pay higher property taxes, yet they receive much less attention." Anil Galgali, another activist, added to the report, "South Mumbai gets more attention because it's home to government officials, industrialists, and ministers. This disparity is unacceptable."

Abhijit Bangar, the additional municipal commissioner, responded in the report, "Subways should be clean and well-lit. We have appointed agencies to manage this, and any issues will be addressed promptly."