Mumbai’s Aarey Colony: Metro Line-3 commuters face safety risks and steep auto fares

The new Metro Line 3 station at Aarey was intended to ease travel for nearby residents, but its immediate surroundings are proving unsafe, particularly for women commuting after dark. Commuters report poorly lit paths, a lack of safe auto-rickshaw stands, and challenging last-mile connectivity that undermine the convenience the metro was supposed to bring.

For regular metro user Debjani Paul, the short walk from Aarey Metro station to her destination has become a daily struggle. Debjani shared her experience on Twitter, highlighting the absence of essential facilities like well-lit footpaths and a reliable auto-rickshaw stand. "This metro was supposed to ease my commute, but the area around it is completely unsafe. There's no footpath, no lighting, and autos are either hard to find or overcharge for even short distances," she says. With no clear pedestrian routes, commuters are forced onto busy roads where, as the sun sets, safety concerns mount.

One of the main challenges residents face is the lack of safe, affordable transport options from the metro station. With no organised auto-rickshaw stand, commuters often have to negotiate high fares or ride in crowded vehicles. Many feel the lack of planning around the station's infrastructure has left commuters to fend for themselves, creating risks that disproportionately affect women travelling at night.

Advocates like environmentalist Zoru Bhathena emphasise the need for immediate safety measures around the metro. "Installing CCTV cameras, adding street lighting, and ensuring a dedicated police presence near the station would greatly improve security for commuters," he suggests. Local voices are calling for measures such as safe walkways, regulated transport options, and better lighting to make the station a truly accessible and secure travel hub.

Mumbai Police recently identified seven spots across the city as unsafe for women, highlighting Aarey Milk Colony alongside:

1.Old mill compounds

2.South Mumbai subways

3.Chowpatty

4.Aarey Milk Colony

5.Skywalks

6.Under-construction buildings

7.South Mumbai bylanes

To make Aarey safe, residents and authorities are urging for:

•Adequate lighting on all roads and walkways

•Increased CCTV surveillance throughout the area

•More police patrols and trained guards

•Community watch groups to report unusual activities

•Help desks or emergency kiosks with easy access to assistance

While the new metro station brings significant potential for improved connectivity, its surrounding area requires urgent attention to become truly effective. With better infrastructure and stronger security measures, Aarey Metro station can transform into a safer and more accessible point of travel for all.