Seawoods: From the outside, Seawood railway station presents a modern facade and is a pointer to the future skyline of Navi Mumbai. However, step inside and it would not be a surprise if you have doubts about the modern credentials of the city and the standards of hygiene and sanitation being maintained.

The subway connecting platforms No. 1 to 4, especially the ramps built for differently-abled persons emanate an unbearably foul stench. Public urination at this spot has become a menace and passengers claim the problem has continued since long.

“When we use the subway from the Darave side to enter Seawoods station, if you happen to take the ramp or pass by it, you can certainly smell an unpleasant odour. Late at night, men who are drunk or just searching for a spot to relieve themselves urinate there,” said Darshan Arolkar, a regular commuter.

Apart from the stench, the ramp is splattered with graffiti drawn by fly-by-night ‘artists.’ Although it doesn’t directly affect commuters, it still presents a shabby, unkempt aesthetic.

“The subway walls and ramps have a lot of graffiti drawn on them, most of them appear to have been done using spray cans, it is just not one spot, both the Panvel side and CST facing side have been defaced by miscreants. It seems to be a competition among youngsters over who can cover the most space,” said Sanjay Mishra, a resident of Seawoods.

Commuters claim there are other problems too. Safety and security of female passengers is a big question as many places outside the station are often dark and poorly lit.

“The approach from the sector 23 side is poorly lit and is dim even during daylight hours. It feels unsafe, especially if you are alone,” said Ankita Desai, a college student and resident of Seawoods.