Vadhiv Villagers in Palghar Demand Safe Road Access Over Risky Railway Tracks
Residents of Vadhiv village in Palghar, located between the Vaitarna and Saphale railway stations, are demanding the construction of a safe and permanent road connecting their village to the main road. With a population exceeding 4,000, villagers, schoolchildren, and patients are currently forced to cross active railway tracks simply to leave their homes.
The lack of road connectivity creates daily hazards for local children. Students travelling to Saraswati Vidyalaya in Phanaspada must traverse the tracks on foot while watching for approaching trains. Student Sohil Chaudhary explained that children face constant fear and appealed to authorities to ensure a road is built quickly.
According to villagers, 22 people have lost their lives after being hit by trains while crossing the railway line. Residents also stated that another 20 people have died due to a lack of timely medical attention caused by the absence of road access. Ambulances are unable to reach the village directly, creating critical delays during emergencies.
A few months ago, 28-year-old Vishal Patil suffered a heart attack, prompting residents to carry him across the railway tracks in a makeshift sling to reach medical care, a process that took nearly half an hour. Local resident Ankit Mali noted that during medical emergencies, villagers have no alternative but to physically carry patients across the tracks.
Elected officials have repeatedly raised the issue. Boisar Assembly constituency Shiv Sena MLA Vilas Tare stated that he has written to authorities three times and previously brought up the matter during the Assembly session, adding that he will continue to pursue the issue with the concerned departments.
However, residents and social activists continue to question why no progress has been made despite multiple assurances. Social activist Hareshwar Patil stated that villagers have waited years for a permanent solution and that discussions on government platforms have not translated into action. The residents are now calling for a firm deadline and the physical construction of a road.
