VASCO
It was built to facilitate the movement of pedestrians between Desterro and the main Vasco city, but the South Western Railway (SWR) footbridge is in huge demand only during the day.
The lack of illumination on the footbridge for the past few months has left people reluctant to use the footbridge at night and concerns have been raised over the anti-social activities at the site, even though it is located near the police station.
According to available information, the foot bridge was built by the SWR after considering the demand of residents for a shorter access between Desterro and the heart of Vasco city. While the SWR built the footbridge, the lights were installed and maintained by the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).
The footfall on the footbridge increases sharply in the day and during traditional fairs like the Damodar Saptah, the Carnival parade and Shigmo floats, as people walk to the city using the footbridge by day. They are, however, reluctant to return by the same route after dusk on account of the darkness at the footbridge.
Concerns have been raised about the presence of anti-social activities at the footbridge after dusk.
"It's high time that authorities take action as women in the locality are worried they could be confronted by strangers on the footbridge while travelling back home at night, while we senior citizens are concerned about tripping on the stairs in the dark," said one Mulla, a senior citizen from the locality.
"Of late, some people have been seen sleeping on the sideways of the footbridge in the dark. The whole purpose of having a footbridge has failed, if it is not lit," he added.
