September 5, 2025: The under-construction skywalk at Bandra East, linking the railway station with the Western Express Highway via the Kalanagar junction, has come under sharp criticism from experts and activists, who have labelled its design convoluted. The new structure, which passes beneath the existing Kalanagar flyover, is over 50 per cent complete and is expected to ease congestion for thousands of commuters once finished.
The project replaces the earlier skywalk, built by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in 2008 but closed in 2019 after becoming unsafe and dismantled in 2021. Residents recall that the original plan envisaged a 450-metre structure. Following local demands, however, it was extended by 750 metres to cross the Western Express Highway through the SRA Colony and Kalanagar junction, a detour many described as inconvenient. “We were told the flyover made a direct link impossible. How is it not a hurdle now?” a resident asked, accusing authorities of inconsistency.
The project has also faced delays, drawing censure from the Bombay High Court. In April 2023, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) assured the court that work would begin within 15 months. However, on 20 August this year, the court expressed dissatisfaction at the slow pace of progress.
Transport experts remain divided. AV Shenoy of the Mumbai Mobility Forum argued that lengthy walks discourage pedestrian use, particularly in extreme weather. Vedant Mhatre of the Walking Project welcomed progress but described the design as overly complex, suggesting a subway would have been more practical.
BMC officials, however, defended the plan. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar confirmed that the 740-metre skywalk would connect directly with the railway foot overbridge at Bandra East and would be open to the public by December 2025.
Source: Mid-day
