We don't feel safe at Bandra-Kurla Complex after sunset, say women

Even the main road is deserted at BKC after 7 pm, and women say incidents of petty robberies have increased of late. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Bandra-Kurla Complex is not safe after 7 pm - this is the contention of most women who work at the commercial hub, and also of those who stay in nearby areas. In the third of mid-day's series on the range of issues concerning BKC, we put the business hub to the safety test, and the results aren't too good.

Also read: Even with parking lots, vehicles face space crunch at BKC

Even the main road is deserted at BKC after 7 pm, and women say incidents of petty robberies have increased of late. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

According to women who work in these areas, they have to travel at least 200-300 metres from the main road to reach their offices - and also while leaving for home. After sunset, these stretches - and even the main road - are quite deserted and hardly anyone can be spotted in the area, lending the area a spooky aura.

Also read: BKC needs more public transport

Disconnected, unsafe
Work sometimes stretches beyond 7 pm, and some offices even have night shifts. With the lack of public transport connecting the area to nearest railway stations, it becomes all the more difficult to travel worry-free.

Anjali Korgaonkar (50), who has been working here for three years, said, "We find it difficult to get a bus from here. Auto drivers take advantage in peak hours and charge us double the rate. Incidents of petty robberies have increased in these areas."

Another regular commuter, Neha Pawar (24), who works as a back office executive in BKC, added, "I stay in Prabhadevi and there's just one bus that goes to BKC from there - that, too, with an hourly frequency. While going home, I have to sometimes walk on the road towards Bandra station."

With the desolate stretches comes the risk of crime and untoward incidents. Even local residents refuse to venture out after dark.

Seema Mansoori (21), a resident of Tata Colony in BKC, told this paper, "We never step out of the house alone, as we don't feel safe walking on the streets.

Patrolling should be increased in the interiors, and a special ladies' bus should be arranged for our transport needs."

Voices
Anjali Korgaonkar (50), works at BKC

We find it difficult to get a bus from here; auto drivers take advantage in peak hours and charge us double. Incidents of petty robberies have increased in BKC.

Neha Pawar (24), works at BKC

While going home, I have to, sometimes, walk on the empty stretch of road towards Bandra station.

Seema Mansoori (21), stays at Tata Colony in BKC

We don't feel safe on the street. Patrolling should be increased in interiors and a special ladies' bus should be arranged.