Residents of Vadhiv and Saravali villages of Palghar district have heaved a sigh of relief on learning that the Indian Railways has agreed to build a pathway along the railway bridge that connects their villages to Vaitarna railway station. At the moment, residents of the two villages walk on corroded metal sheets over the bridge, dodging oncoming trains. Sometimes unsuccessfully.

This year, between March and September alone, four people have died while attempting to cross the bridge. Several others have been injured after being hit by religious offerings that passengers throw out of the running train into the river. mid-day highlighted these issues on the front page of the August 18 edition. A day later, railway authorities installed signs at both ends of the bridge warning locals that it wasn't a public thoroughfare. Local youth promptly tore down the signs.