After Being Praised by Netizens, Shut SoBo Subway In Mumbai Now Faces Flak For Causing Inconvenience To Pedestrians

The non-operational SoBo subway in Mumbai is now under fire from netizens. It’s been closed to pedestrians for nearly a month. Locals are forced to cross heavy traffic on the road, which many consider unsafe. The SoBo subway, which was widely praised after renovations, is now facing flak from the locals.

Mumbai SoBo Pedestrian Subway Remains Shut

This pedestrian subway at Metro cinema has been renovated and now well lit. Clean with cameras and guards are also present. Hope more people use it and avoid crossing the busy intersection above. pic.twitter.com/7LZ6Z7qzIp

— Dr. Rahul Baxi (@baxirahul) February 5, 2025

The pedestrian subway under a key South Mumbai junction 5 was praised after its recent upgrade. In a post shared by @baxirahul on X (formerly Twitter), he mentioned that the subway at Metro cinema was not only clean but also well-lit. Plus, it allowed a safe and easy crossing beneath the busy 5 junction road. But now, as per the reports, it’s drawing criticism from many netizens. Its two key entry/exit points, 3 and 9, have been sealed for weeks. As per Mid-day, gate 9 near Metro Cinema has been shut for over a month. While entry/exit 3 has remained closed for nearly three weeks. This has forced pedestrians, including college students, elderly people, and those with disabilities, to cross the junction 5 road at Vasudev Balwant Phadke Chowk. Moreover, the road sees heavy vehicle movement daily, and crossing it on foot is not considered safe. 

Also Read: Mumbaikars, There’ll Soon Be An Underground Pedestrian Subway Between Metro-3 Line & CSMT

Rains Have Made The Situation Worse

Gate 9 was mainly used by nearby college students. Now, the students are forced to run across the road. Tarun Joseph, a student, said the closure of the pedestrian subway has made it hard for them to safely reach their college. Paul Joseph, who lives nearby, added that the rains have worsened the situation. He also added that roads are slippery, and crossing them amid the heavy traffic has added a lot to their inconvenience. 

A security guard told Mid-day that even the elevators at the junction have not been working for weeks. Rainwater has flooded the lift shafts and has made them non-operational. Another commuter, who uses crutches, said he feels like he’s “playing with his life” every time he tries to cross the road.

Also Read: Mumbai: Fire Breaks Out At Poonam Chambers In The Worli Area Of SoBo; Cause Not Known Yet

The recently upgraded SoBo subway was once praised for offering pedestrian safety. But now, it’s causing a lot of inconvenience for people. Locals are hoping the authorities act quickly to fix the ongoing situation. 

Cover Image Courtesy: @baxirahul/ X