Mumbai’s network of 26 skywalks, built to provide pedestrians with safer alternatives to busy roads, is facing renewed scrutiny over their usage, accessibility and maintenance. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has spent Rs 286.58 crore on the skywalks it constructed, while the overall public expenditure is likely to be substantially higher considering the structures built by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
Despite the investment, BMC data shows that around 3.98 lakh people use the city’s skywalks every day. Residents and transport experts, however, say several design and maintenance shortcomings are discouraging pedestrians from using them.
A major concern is the number of stairs. “By the time I reach the top, I feel like I have climbed three floors. If I am already tired after travelling or carrying bags, I would rather wait and cross the road than take such a long climb,” said Charni Road resident Arshita Shah.
Commuters have also complained about non-functional escalators, lack of lifts and inadequate facilities for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Wheelchair user Ramesh Sartape said many skywalks appear to have been designed primarily for people capable of climbing stairs.
Safety is another major issue, particularly for women. Poor lighting, secluded stretches, sleeping persons and concerns over CCTV monitoring have raised questions about security after dark. Residents have also flagged the enclosed metal sheets along several walkways, saying they create a claustrophobic and excessively hot environment.
Maintenance problems, including damaged surfaces, unclean areas and poor lighting, have further affected public confidence.
Walking Project programme manager Vedant Mhatre said poor planning was a key problem, noting that several skywalk arms do not connect to the destinations commuters actually want to reach.
Veteran transport expert Ashok Datar said skywalks must be viewed as part of Mumbai’s larger mobility system.
BMC additional commissioner Abhijit Bangar said maintenance and planning of upcoming skywalks could be reviewed, while noting that most existing structures were built by MMRDA and later handed over to the civic body.
Source: Mid-day
