MMRDA grounds skywalks project……Ashley DMello
Mumbai: Finally,the severely criticized skywalks project,which envisaged a total of 51 skywalks across the city and its suburbs,has come to an abrupt halt.The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will now build 36 skywalks and no more.
MMRDA commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad said they will not take up the construction of any more skywalks after the 36 already announced are completed by year-end.
The skywalksa successful concept in several Asian and European countrieswere being built to enable commuters to cross over from railway stations to a safe point across busy roads.
The announcement comes in the wake of criticism that some of the skywalks were not serving the purpose.The first skywalk in the city at Bandra East has faced resistance on the ground that it was an extravagance the city could ill-afford.
MMRDA officials said the 36 skywalks being built would cost Rs 427 crore.The initial plan was to build 51 skywalks for Rs 735 crores.Fifteen skywalks were not built due to opposition from residents and shopkeepers.
The criticism levelled at skywalks included the difficulty in climbing them.MMRDA officials said escalators could not be built due to lack of space.The Kandivli skywalks will get escalators at the Western Express Highway-end,and at the station,but the Bandra skywalk will not get one as there is not enough space, said an official.
* SHELVED: MMRDA will build just 36 skywalks and no more
* SHELVED: MMRDA will build just 36 skywalks and no more