Another Tragic Jump at Mumbai’s Atal Setu: Urgent Call for Safety Nets as Suicides Rise

Another tragic suicide has been reported from Mumbai’s Atal Setu, marking the second such incident in just two days. On Wednesday, a 52-year-old businessman named Philip Hitesh Shah, a resident of Matunga, jumped off the sea bridge, ending his life. This heartbreaking event has once again raised concerns over the safety of individuals on the bridge, sparking a renewed call for the installation of safety nets.

According to reports, Shah had been battling depression for several months, and his family confirmed that he was undergoing treatment for his mental health. On the morning of the incident, Shah left home around 8 am, telling his family he was attending a function and would return shortly. However, just an hour later, he stopped his vehicle on the northbound stretch of Atal Setu, about 14.4 km from Navi Mumbai, and jumped into the sea.

Nhava Sheva police were alerted around 9 am, and a rescue team was immediately dispatched. Unfortunately, by the time Shah's body was recovered and sent to the hospital, doctors declared him dead. His identity was confirmed through his Aadhaar card found in the vehicle, and his family was informed of the tragedy.

This incident comes just two days after another suicide on the same bridge. On Monday, 40-year-old banker Sushant Chakravarti also jumped off Atal Setu, reportedly due to immense work-related stress. These back-to-back tragedies have sparked debates about the safety of the bridge and the need for preventative measures.

In light of these increasing cases, Navi Mumbai police have urged the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to install safety nets along the bridge. Authorities believe that such a measure could help prevent future suicide attempts by providing a physical barrier and potentially saving lives.

While investigations continue into Shah’s death, the call for immediate action is growing louder. As mental health issues continue to affect countless individuals, it's crucial to address both preventive infrastructure and provide accessible mental health support to those in need.