Apart from skywalks, foot overbridges (FOBs) on the Eastern and Western Express Highways, installed for the benefit of pedestrians, have become hubs for substance abusers, posing a threat to citizens, especially women, a ground report by mid-day has revealed. Asked how they feel using these FOBs, especially at night, women pedestrians answered unanimously, “Unsafe, anxious and vulnerable”.

Aruna Chavan, Malad resident who uses Borivli’s Kulupwadi FOB daily. PIC/Nimesh Dave

A Recent report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released in January this year listed Mumbai as one of the top 10 safest cities for women. “I don’t think they considered all elements and parameters — because if they would have considered this vital element, maybe the city, even if otherwise feels safer than other cities, wouldn’t have made it to the list,” said Pratima Chaudhary, who regularly uses the FOB connected to the Dindoshi Metro station on the WEH.