Mumbai Skywalk Project Explained

Mumbai Skywalk Project
Owner:MMRDA, MSRDC
Locale:Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India
Transit Type:Footbridge
Lines:37
Ridership:565,000 daily (August 2010)
Began Operation:24 June 2008

The Mumbai Skywalk Project is a series of pedestrian skyways in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The skywalks connect Mumbai Suburban Railway stations and other high-concentration commercial areas with various destinations. The purpose of the skywalks is efficient dispersal of commuters from congested areas to strategic locations, such as bus stations, taxi stands, shopping areas, etc. and vice versa.

The first skywalk was inaugurated on 24 June 2008.[1] There are 36 skywalks in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The average daily foot count for 23 skywalks in August 2010 was estimated at 565,000.[2]

History

thumb|Vile-Parle-SkywalkMumbai's Suburban Railway has one of the highest passenger densities of any urban railway system in the world. With almost 7 million passengers using the system daily, as well as the associated transport interchanges in their vicinity (bus stations, taxi stands, autorickshaw stands, car parks, etc.) the areas around the suburban railway stations are the most congested in the city. The problem is further aggravated by the presence of hawkers and parked vehicles, making the commute hazardous for pedestrians. The skyways were constructed to reduce risk to pedestrians.[3]

MMRDA planned to build 50 skywalks in the first phase, ranging from 1 to 2 miles in length.[4] The first 18 skywalks were to be built by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).[3] Following feedback and criticism of some of the skywalks based on the proposed routes or other conflicting development plans, 17 of these were cancelled and others added.

The first phase of Mumbai Skywalks consisting of 50 skywalks was expected to cost about .[4] [5] The proposed Mahim East skywalk was challenged by the Mahim Skywalk Protest Committee. MMRDA announced in June 2009 that it was cancelling the proposed Mahim East skywalk due to "alignment conflicts with the Dharavi Redevelopment Project."

The first Skywalk was completed in June 2008 from Bandra station to Kalanagar Junction, measuring 1.3 km. It is used by over 100,000 pedestrians daily.[6]

MMRDA recovered some of the cost of maintenance through the sale of advertising space on the walkways.

Skywalks

There are currently 37 skywalks in Mumbai Metropolitan Region.[7]

S. No. Location Length (m)
1 Ambarnath (W) 350
2 Andheri (E) 581
3 Bandra (E) Court 494
4 Bandra (E) – Kalanagar 970
5 Bandra (W) 864
6 Badlapur (E) 449.12
7 Badlapur (W) 391.5
8 Bhandup (W) 465
9 Bhayandar (W) 225
10 Borivali (W) 1395
11 323
12 385
13 Dahisar (E) 410
14 Dahisar (W) 850
15Dombivli (W)
16Dombivli (E)
17 Goregaon (W) 625
18 Ghatkopar (W) 315
19 Grant Road650
20 Kalyan (E) 637
21 Kalyan (W) 1287
22 Kandivali (E) 1025
23 Kanjurmarg (E) 222
24 Mira Road (E) 525
25 Santacruz (E) 685
26 Santacruz (W) 438
27 Sion1041
28 Thane (E) 1350
29Thane (W)
30 Ulhasnagar (E) 445
31 Ulhasnagar (W) 890
32 Vasai Road (W) 615
33 Vidyavihar (E) 191
34 Vidyavihar (W) 149
35 Vikhroli (W) 440
36 Vile Parle (W) 460
37 Virar (E) 285
38 Virar (W) 630
39 750
40 1780

References

8. Siddha Sky – Located at Wadala, Mumbai, having longest rooftop skywalk.

Notes and References

  1. http://www.mmrdamumbai.org/showProject.jsp?srv=yaCYIJ6H3oJrGb
  2. Web site: 24Main Edition-pg9-0.qxd (Page 1) . 2010-08-30 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111004122110/http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epaperpdf/25082010/24main%20edition-pg9-0.pdf . 4 October 2011 .
  3. Web site: MMRDA – Projects – Skywalk . Mmrdamumbai.org . 2010-08-30.
  4. Web site: Bellman . Eric . Mumbai Builds 'Skywalks,' Elevated Walkways That Let Pedestrians Move Above Crowded Streets – WSJ.com . Online.wsj.com . 19 January 2010 . 2010-08-30.
  5. Web site: Proposed SKYWALKS in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). MMRDA. 2011-10-27. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120319170127/http://202.54.119.40/skywalk.htm. 19 March 2012.
  6. Web site: Mumbai pedestrians can walk safe in the sky . Business Line. 23 November 2008 . 2010-08-30.
  7. Web site: Skywalk status . MMRDA . 2010-10-04 . 2013-06-24 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120423060725/http://202.54.119.40/docs/skywalk-status.pdf . 23 April 2012 .