Many skywalks have become encroached by hawkers, beggars, and drug addicts, which has deterred pedestrians from using them. Most of the skywalks are poorly maintained, with issues such as filth, bad odor, and general neglect.
Many skywalks lack basic amenities like escalators, making them less accessible to people, particularly the elderly and disabled. Some skywalks, like the one at Nana Chowk, have escalators, but they are often closed for extended periods, reducing their usability.
In some areas, such as Sion, security personnel are present only during limited hours, leaving the skywalks vulnerable to misuse by undesirable elements. Locations such as Dharavi, Cotton Green, Santacruz, Ghatkopar, Goregaon, and Borivli are heavily encroached upon by hawkers and drug addicts.
The Vikhroli skywalk is partially demolished due to ongoing work on the east-west connector, leaving it in an unusable state. The BMC has started repairing the Dahisar West skywalk, with an expenditure of Rs 23.98 crore. Activists have called for an audit to assess the current state of skywalks and question whether they are still fulfilling their original purpose.
Some activists suggest that foot overbridges would be a better alternative to skywalks, given their underuse and current state of disrepair. Civic activists have proposed rehabilitating hawkers on skywalks and improving footpath conditions to encourage pedestrian usage of both. The BMC has acknowledged the issue and stated that they will look into the findings and take appropriate action to address the concerns raised.