By: Suhas BirhadePALGHAR: For children on Vadhiv island in Palghar district, going to school begins with a dangerous walk across a railway bridge and tracks, with the constant fear of an oncoming train.The village, located between Vaitarna and Saphale stations on the Western Railway line, has no road link to the mainland, leaving more than 4,000 residents dependent on the bridge for daily movement.The long-pending connectivity issue has resurfaced after students posted a video describing the risk they face while commuting to Saraswati Vidyalaya at Phanaspada in Saphale.They walk about 2 to 2.5km each way, crossing the bridge and tracks because no safer route exists.The danger rises whenever trains pass as students, patients, pregnant women and workers try to reach the mainland.In the video, Class VIII student Sohil Chaudhary appealed to PM Narendra Modi and CM Devendra Fadnavis to provide road connectivity to the village.“We have to cross the railway tracks every day to go to school. We get scared when a train approaches, and our lives are constantly at risk,” he said.Most Vadhiv residents depend on farming or travel to Vasai-Virar and nearby areas for work.Villagers said the absence of reliable access has led to tragedy after tragedy. Mahesh Patil, a social worker, claimed that 22 people have died after being hit by trains in recent years, while around 20 others died because they could not receive timely medical treatment.He said his aunt died after falling from the railway bridge.Residents said emergencies become especially difficult, as patients must be carried across the bridge or made to wait for help.Pregnant women face delays in reaching hospitals.Manoj Ranade, Zilla Parishad CEO and in-charge district collector, said the administration was treating the matter seriously.“The villagers need a bridge or a passenger boat service. I have called a meeting with the sarpanch and villagers and will try to implement whichever solution can be put in place quickly,” he said.Boisar MLA Vilas Tare said he had written to authorities three times, seeking immediate official intervention.
