Residents ask for a permanent solution to the recurrent problem

Residents of Nerul who regularly use the bridge located next to Nerul Railway station have raised concerns of space constraints they face while walking on the bridge and staircase as there are vegetable and fruit vendors on the staircase and the bridge.

Travellers said that this is an issue during peak hours of commute in the evening as the bridge gets very crowded and cramped in these conditions.

Manisha Shah, a regular commuter said, “I live in Vashi, but my office is in Nerul, when I leave from office this is the daily scenario on the bridge. Right at the beginning of the staircase approach, there are fruit and vegetable sellers. Our problem is not with the hawkers themselves who have a right to livelihood. We want to hold NMMC accountable as this is a routine issue, where a complaint is raised and then for a few days there are no vendors but then later they suddenly reappear.”

Nikhil Nair, a resident of Sector 15, Nerul said, “This bridge is crowded in the evening with people searching for space to walk without bumping into others, as there are vendors on both sides of this bridge, especially on the platform of the bridge, people gladly buy onions, cabbage and other vegetables here and add to the crowding. NMMC needs to relocate these vendors or provide them licenses in areas where they can sell their produce.”

Ajay Sontake, another resident said, “There needs to be a permanent solution, instead of regularly sending people from the municipal workers who confiscate vegetables and fruits, NMMC needs to ensure that areas near railway stations remain hawker-free for the ease of movement. As such conditions add to the stress of commuting.”