The prolonged closure of the railway footbridge at Vasco station has sparked growing frustration and safety concerns among daily commuters. For the past two months, passengers have been compelled to cross the railway tracks directly, raising the risk of accidents at one of South Goa’s busiest transport hubs.
The footbridge, a crucial link for hundreds of travelers each day, was shut down after officials declared the structure unsafe. Authorities had initially assured the public that necessary repair works would be completed and the bridge reopened within a week. However, even after more than four weeks beyond the promised deadline, the footbridge continues to remain locked, with no visible sign of immediate restoration work.
In the absence of alternatives, commuters — including schoolchildren, office-goers, and elderly citizens — have no choice but to walk across the active railway lines. Residents fear that the situation could trigger a major mishap if trains pass unexpectedly while people are crossing.
Social activist Nazeer Khan strongly criticized the inaction of the authorities, highlighting the contradiction in their approach. “If the bridge is unsafe, then how is it acceptable to put lives at risk by forcing people onto the tracks?” he asked. Khan has urged the railway administration to accelerate the repair process and reopen the bridge without delay. He emphasized that public safety should take priority over bureaucratic delays and technical excuses.
The closure of the Vasco footbridge has once again highlighted the larger issue of crumbling infrastructure and inadequate maintenance of public facilities. Until swift measures are taken, commuters remain vulnerable to potential accidents, underscoring the urgent need for authorities to act responsibly and restore safe passage at the station.