Heemanish Midde

0
Market Research Project

UTILITY ANALYSIS OF THE

SKYWALK AT BANDRA (E)

Prof. Macario Fernandes

Project By

220 Heemanish Midde

MMS 2007 - 2009

October 23, 2008

Xavier Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai
Mumbai University

1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my sincere gratitude to my guide Prof. Macario Fernandes for his able guidance, continuous
support and cooperation throughout my project, without which the project would not have been possible.

I also like to thank Mr. Rahul Rana for his assistance in filling up the questionnaires.

Not forgetting Prof. Mahulikar for sharing his knowledge on SPSS without which the analysis of the data
would have been difficult.

Last but not the least, all the commuters who spent their precious time in filling up the questionnaires which
formed the base of this research. Also thanks to all the journalist (Newspapers) and websites to cover the
news about the Skywalk which formed the secondary data of the research.

- Heemanish Midde

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The ever growing population of Mumbai is putting lots of pressure on the existing infrastructure especially
on the transportation segment. Traffic snarls are common in Mumbai and the rights of pedestrians is often
breached by the vehicle owners and hawkers, who have encroached the footpath. Mumbai suburbs such as
Dadar, Bandra, Andheri and Borivali are marked with congestion problem mainly near the station area. The
station area is marked with chaos as the commuters both entering and exiting the station premises make a
beeline which the existing bridges and entry/exit points cannot handle. Moving / parked vehicles outside
the station and hawkers selling their wares add to this congestion and the ultimate result is lack of leg
space for people to move.

Transport interchange activities, passenger transfer between trains, buses, taxies & Private vehicles make
the station area most congested. The problem aggravates with the road side hawking and vehicular
parking. The Sky walk is an elevated walk way dedicated to the pedestrians connecting the railway Station,
high concentration commercial area and destination points where the concentration of pedestrians prevail.
The purpose of the sky walks is for efficient dispersal of commuters from station/congested area to
strategic locations viz. bus stops, taxi stands, shopping areas, off roads etc. and vice versa. This would help
decongest the crowded streets.

The purpose of the study is to find whether potential commuters use the skywalk or not and if no, then the
reasons behind it, and thereafter identifying feasible solutions on how they can use it.

There are 48 skywalks lined up in Mumbai i.e. around Rs.560 crore at stake. This research will give them a
lead on whether to go ahead with those projects or modify few aspects that may benefit the commuters.
This, in turn will lead MMRDA to achieve their basic objective of reducing the congestion on roads and
footpaths.

The Objective of the study, firstly, is to find if there was a need of the skywalk at Bandra and thereafter to
identify whether the potential commuters are using the skywalk or not. If not, then identify the reasons
and suggest a solution for the same.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgement 2
Executive Summary 3

1. Background 5
1.1 Bandra Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme 7
1.2 About the Skywalk 8
1.3 Project Facts 10
1.4 Future Skywalk Projects 11

2. Research Objectives 12
2.1 Problem Definition 12
2.2 Purpose of Study 12
2.3 Scope of Study 12
2.4 Research Objective 13

3. Research Methodology 14
3.1 Research Design 14
3.2 Data Collection 14
3.3 Sample Universe 14

4. Findings and Analysis 15

4.1 Findings 15
4.2 Analysis 20

5. Conclusion 21
6. Recommendation 22

Questionnaire 23
Annexure 25
Newspaper/Online Clips 25
Comments 40
Pictures of the Bandra Skywalk 47

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 1
BACKGROUND
The ever growing population of Mumbai is putting lots of pressure on the existing infrastructure especially
on the transportation segment. Traffic snarls are common in Mumbai and the rights of pedestrians is often
breached by the vehicle owners and hawkers, who have encroached the footpath. Mumbai suburbs such as
Dadar, Bandra, Andheri and Borivali are marked with congestion problem mainly near the station area. The
station area is marked with chaos as the commuters both entering and exiting the station premises make a
beeline which the existing bridges and entry/exit points cannot handle. Moving / parked vehicles outside
the station and hawkers selling their wares add to this congestion and the ultimate result is lack of leg
space for people to move.

Transport interchange activities, passenger transfer between trains, buses, taxies & Private vehicles make
the station area most congested. The problem aggravates with the road side hawking and vehicular
parking. The Sky walk is an elevated walk way dedicated to the pedestrians connecting the railway Station,
high concentration commercial area and destination points where the concentration of pedestrians prevail.
The purpose of the sky walks is for efficient dispersal of commuters from station/congested area to
strategic locations viz. bus stops, taxi stands, shopping areas, off roads etc. and vice versa. This would help
decongest the crowded streets.

Planning
MMRDA has already planned construction of 50 Sky-Walks in and around Mumbai Metropolitan Region
(MMR).

Cost Estimates
Total estimated cost is about Rs.600 crore.

Implementing Agencies
Out of 50 skywalks proposed to be constructed, construction of 18 numbers will be under taken by MSRDC.

Before finalizing detailed project report i.e. before preparing GAD; local people, corporators, MLAs, MPs
from that area are being contacted to understand their views/ suggestions/concurrence etc. PMC for these
works have been finalized and they are asked to coordinate with other concerned depts. Like MCGM,
Railways etc.

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The alignment and designs

Dispersal/entry points at strategic locations

Under ground utilities and minimum number of structures affected

Available road widths

Proximity of adjacent buildings

No. of trees, large and small size, getting affected

Provision of shops on the sky walk, if any, on one side or both the sides or on upper deck with a view
to provide easy pedestrian movement

Speed of construction

Commuter safety

Operation & maintenance, etc.

Present Status
Project Management Consultants (PMC) for project preparation, designing and supervision work is finalized
by MMRDA.

First skywalk from Bandra Station to Kalanagar Junction has been already completed, inaugurated by the
th
Hon’ble Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on June 24 , 2008 and immediately opened for public use after
inauguration.

Tenders for 2 skywalks have been finalized and work is expected to start shortly.

The actual construction of balance skywalks is planned to start from October 2008 and is targeted to be
completed within a time period of 6 months.

MSRDC has also finalized GADs for three skywalks and tenders for the same will be invited shortly. For
balance sky walks, PMCs will be finalized very soon.

After approval to the above further formalities will be completed like appointment of consultant etc.

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1.1 Bandra Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme (SATIS)

Bandra is one of the major suburban stations in Mumbai. More than thousand suburban trains operation
take place every day with about 5 lacks commuters traveling through this station. Out of this 39%
commuters approach the station by walk while 32% by bus 16% by Auto and 13% by other modes. The
percentage to the station is nearly equal on the East and West.

The factors which are contributing to more commuter traffic on the eastern side is due to the existence of
Bandra Kurla Complex - one of the largest office space complex in Mumbai and the other factor is the
location of Bandra Kurla Railway Terminus on the eastern side, which sees both inbound and outbound
commuter traffic.

Bandra Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme (SATIS) is one such project formulated by MMRDA for
Bandra suburb of Mumbai. Bandra SATIS project is high on the agenda of the Mumbai Urban Infrastructure
Project, which aims to improve road network and provide effective traffic dispersal system in Greater
Mumbai. The recently commissioned Bandra Skywalk is one such project, which is part of Bandra SATIS.

The considering the Bandra Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme has been included in the priority
works under MUIP master plan. After considering several alternatives it is decided to develop Skywalks
from Bandra (E) to Kalanagar and Bandra (W) to Hill road and Mohd. Raffi Chowk on priority. Skywalk from
Bandra (E) to Kalanagar has been taken up for implementation as pilot project

The Skywalk Project was conceived according high priority to the pedestrians. The project is planned in two
phases. Phase-I is recently commissioned, which comprised of constructing a skywalk from Bandra Station
(East) to Kalanagar. Phase-II envisages the construction of a skywalk on the western side from Bandra Bada
Masjid to Bandra Talav, Bandra Station to Mohd Rafi chowk.To give you a first hand information about the
project, find below views of Ashok Khade, Director, Das Offshore Engineering Pvt Ltd, who are the
contractors for the Bandra Skywalk Project - Phase I.

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1.2 About the Skywalk

General features of the Skywalk

The Skywalk between Bandra Station from (Existing Foot Over Bridge to Kalanagar has been planned to
serve the commuter traffic between BKC and the station.) The work has including construction of Skywalk
from Bandra suburban railway Foot Over Bridge to Kalanagar Adms.1300 m. long and 4 m. clear walk way
and 4 staircase at various locations. The Skywalk is supported on pile foundations, pile cap and structural
steel columns/piers. Superstructure is of structural steel truss, pre-cast slab panels as deck slab with
flooring of approved tiles. Walkway Project included covering structure with 16mm thick multi wall
Polycarbonate sheets for weather protection to the pedestrian. The integration arrangements with the
railway Foot Over Bridge are being finalized in consultation with railways including provision for ticket
counter, if required by railway.

Integration array (Kalanagar end): Staircases are proposed on either side of Sion - Dharavi Link Road to
integrate with existing BEST Bus Stops.

Project Status
The Bids were invited on 15th August, 2007 and the Contractor for the same M/s. Das Offshore Engineering
Pvt. ltd. has been appointed for the Total cost of Rs. 13.63 Cr. The Letter of Acceptance to the contractor
has been forwarded on 29th November, 2007 and the construction for the project has been initiated from
14th December, 2007. The Project is likely to get completed by Middle of March, 2008.

Role of Das Offshore in this project

Our Company was responsible for Engineering, Procurement, Design and Construction of all work and for
all details of the work. The work was carried out as per the design prepared by us and approved by
MMRDA/PMC.

Challenges faced during execution

The site is in the heavily trafficked area. Major work was carried out in the night. The tender did not include
any soil data which was collected only after award of work. During the execution of the work number of
changes were required to be made in the alignment of the skywalk. Also due to sub soil strata of diversified
nature changes were made. This called for execution of additional items/works. The GAD (General
Arrangement Drawing) had to undergo a total at 5 revisions in order to suit the changes in the alignment as
required by MMRDA and also the site conditions viz. avoiding underground services such as electrical
cables, gas lines, storm water drain, etc., As the period given was only 6 months we had to work 24 hours a
day.

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Material used

Pile foundation – concrete of M 40

Superstructure & columns – structural steel

Roofing-polycarbonate

Project Period
The contract was awarded to DAS on 27th December 2007 and period of construction was 6 months i.e. by
26th June 2008. We completed the project on 20th June 2008 and it was opened to public on 24th June
2008 by Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Actual status of the project

The project is totally completed with only minor punch points to be attended as directed by MMRDA.
Submission of final technical documents is in process. The major work pending is provision of staircase near
Police Chowky pending for final decision from MMRDA in the light of extension proposed.

Technical maintenance
DAS is not responsible for maintenance of the Skywalk. However, we are bound by ‘Defects Notification
Period’ of 24 months.

With the completion of Phase-I, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has
scored a point in solving the congestion problem on the eastern side of Bandra. The commuters can now
have sigh of relief and is looking forward for Phase-II to start and complete.

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1.3 Project Facts

Implementing Agency: Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)

Contractor: Das Offshore Engineering Pvt. Ltd, Navi Mumbai

Length / Width: 1.3 km / 4 m

Cost: Rs 13.63 crore

Entry / Exit points (staircases): Anant Kanekar Road

Indian Oil Building
Nandadeep Garden
Kalanagar Bus Stand

Status:
Phase-I completed and inaugurated by Vilasrao Deshmukh, Chief Minister of Maharashtra on 24th June,
2008.

Proposed extensions: Extension to Bandra Terminal

Extension upto Kherwadi Junction

Proposed lifts: Kalanagar

Anant Kanekar Road Police Post

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1.4 Future Skywalk Projects

MMRDA has taken up development of 50 sky walk bridges, out of which 18 skywalk bridges are entrusted
to MSRDC for implementation. MSRDC has already taken up implementation of 18 skywalk bridges.

The total broad estimated cost of 17 skywalk bridges would be around Rs.125 crore.

Present Status and Schedule: Surveys, investigations, planning, designing and pre-tender activities for
construction of Phase-I, skywalks bridges is already in progress. Award of the work for construction of
these skywalks bridges is expected by September 2008 so that the work can be started in October 2008.
Time limit for the construction would be 6-10 months. It is planned to complete the construction of most of
the skywalks bridges by June 09.

*Credits: Sandeep Ravidutt Sharma, Foundation of Infrastructure Research Studies Training

Link: http://www.constructionupdate.com/products/projectsinfo/2008/7-13-july-2008/007.html

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 2
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

2.1 Problem Definition

Transport interchange activities, passenger transfer between trains, buses, taxies & Private vehicles make
the station area most congested. The problem gets worse with the road side hawking and vehicular
parking.

The Sky walk is an elevated walk way dedicated to the pedestrians connecting the railway station. It is for
efficient dispersal of commuters from station/congested area to strategic locations like bus stops, taxi
stands, shopping areas, off roads etc. and vice versa. This would help decongest the crowded streets.

2.2 Purpose of Study

The purpose of the study is to find whether commuters use the skywalk or not.

If no, then the reasons behind it, and thereafter identify solutions on how they can use it.

2.3 Scope of Study

There are 48 skywalks lined up in Mumbai i.e. around Rs.560 crore at stake.

This research will give them a lead on whether to go ahead with those projects or modify few aspects
that may benefit the commuters.

This, in turn will lead MMRDA to achieve their basic objective of reducing the congestion on roads and
footpaths.

12
2.4 Research Objective

To find if there was a need of the skywalk at Bandra.

To identify whether the potential commuters are using the skywalk or not. If not, then identify the
reasons and suggest a solution for the same.

13
 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

Descriptive Research
The reason for carrying out this research is to identify the usage of the skywalk and hence infer whether it
was worth the investment or not. Studying and analyzing the reasons for using/not using the skywalk for
better efficiency.

3.2 Data Collection

Secondary Data: MMRDA Website, Newspaper Clippings, Internet (Blogs Newspaper Magazines)

Primary Data: Questionnaire, Observation

3.3 Sample Universe

Basis of Sampling
The sample is homogeneous as the target units are the potential users of the skywalk, i.e.

Potential Commuters who travel between Bandra Station (E) and their workplace (probably Bandra
Kurla Complex) (24 nos.)

People residing at/near the skywalk and hence become potential customers for using it. (8 nos.)

Sampling Technique
Stratified Random Probability sampling has to be used, as the sample units are potential users of the
skywalk. The stratum consists of people residing or working near the Skywalk. The sample has to be chosen
in the without replacement format.

Judgmental Non Probability sampling can be used to select the individual units for better productivity of
the questionnaire. A well educated person may be able to reason out the questions in the better way.

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 4
FINDINDS AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Findings

Secondary Data:
MMRDA Website, Newspaper Clippings
Total number of daily commuters: 3 Lakhs (Bandra East)*
Commuters who use the skywalk daily: 35,000
Commuters approach to their destination: Walk: 39%*
Bus: 32%*
Auto: 16%*
Other modes: 13%*
MMRDA accepted that the footfalls are less than what was expected*

Primary Data:
Total Number of Questionnaires filled: 33 (All are potential consumers)

The distribution of the sample population is as follows

Age Group

18

16
7
Age Group Count % 14

up to 18 years 0 0 12

18 to 25 years 18 54.55 10 Female

25 to 40 years 9 27.27 8
2 Male

40 to 55 years 6 18.18 6 11
3
55 + years 0 0 4 7

2 3

0
18 to 25 years 25 to 40 years 40 to 55 years

* highlighted in the annexures

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 Work/Reside

Work/reside Count % 24%

Work 25 75.8
Work
Reside 8 24.2
Reside

76%

Travel Pattern from Bandra Station to their destination:

Travel Method

Travel Method Count % 6

Walk 13 39.39 13 Walk

Bus 8 24.24 Bus

Auto
Auto 6 18.18 6
Other Modes
Other Modes 6 18.18
8

We can see that the around 40% of the commuters prefer to walk from Bandra Station to their respective
destination. They are the most likely commuters to use the Skywalk.

The bus queue is usually very long; they probably could go for another mode of transport which could be
the Skywalk. One has to motivate them to use it.

Auto rickshaws, though they have the “sharing auto” system, they take the longer route and comparatively
charge a higher price.

But, there is lot of congestion because of the autos that block the exit/entrance of the Bandra station.

Other modes of transport include private cars and offices pick up cars and buses.

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Commuters who shop/stop on the way:

Shop/Stop

Shop/Stop Count %
42%
Yes 14 42.42
Yes
No 19 57.58
No
58%

There is no clear distinction between people who prefer shop on their way and those who don’t. Their
comments on the hawker in the skywalk are also at the extremes.

Commuter’s perception on the Skywalk:

Use

15%

Use Count %
Useful
Useful 28 84.85
Useless
Useless 5 15.15
85%

Though 85% of the commuters feel that there was a need of the skywalk, i.e. they found the skywalk is a
useful concept to them, only 60% of them use it and among them only 18% use it daily.

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Commuter’s reasons for their usage/ non usage:

Usage Count %
Convenience 14 28
Fast and safe 17 34
Other Modes 6 12
Time Consuming 6 12
Don’t Use 2 4
Hang out or Evening/Morning walk 5 10

Usage

Hang out or Evening/Morning walk 5

Don’t Use 2

Time Consuming 6

Other Modes 6

Fast and safe 17

Convienience 14

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

There are commuters who have positive views on the skywalk and finds that it is a useful concept by the
MMRDA but still they have issues like it being time consuming and their preference over other modes of
transport.

Few reasons for non usage that came up in the process were

No mode of transport from Kalanagar onwards

Security

Hawkers

Thieves

Quality

Limited Exit Points

Dangerous for Kids: Because of the side railings

No Entertainment

Beggars and Antisocial Elements

Time Consuming

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But the basic reasons for non usage that can be inferred through observation are

Laziness

Resistance to change: One is habituated to its regular time table and their mode of transport.

The alternative usage of the skywalk could be

Hangout

Smoking: Not Feasible as smoking is banned in public places

Hawkers

Trolleys: For carrying of goods

OOH

Walking and Jogging

Social Awareness Programs

The expectations from the skywalk are

Quality

Pollution Free

More Benches

Cleanliness

Entertainment

No Hoardings: Not feasible as it is a source of Revenue, also the proportion of commuters who wants
ads to be displayed are more

Less Congestion

More Exit/Entry Points

Good Lighting

Escalators, Elevators and Conveyer Belt

Security

No Beggars

Note: the ones in Italics have already been implemented/ taken care of.

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4.2 Analysis

Objective 1: To find if there was a need of the skywalk at Bandra

The ever growing population of Mumbai is putting lots of pressure on the existing infrastructure especially
on the transportation segment. Traffic snarls are common in Mumbai and the rights of pedestrians is often
breached by the vehicle owners and hawkers, who have encroached the footpath. Mumbai suburbs such as
Dadar, Bandra, Andheri and Borivali are marked with congestion problem mainly near the station area. The
station area is marked with chaos as the commuters both entering and exiting the station premises make a
beeline which the existing bridges and entry/exit points cannot handle. Moving / parked vehicles outside
the station and hawkers selling their wares add to this congestion and the ultimate result is lack of leg
space for people to move.

Transport interchange activities, passenger transfer between trains, buses, taxies & Private vehicles make
the station area most congested. The problem aggravates with the road side hawking and vehicular
parking.

Objective 2: To identify whether the potential commuters are using the skywalk or not. If not, then identify
the reasons and suggest a solution for the same

It has been stated by the MMRDA, that the footfalls are less than what is expected, which answers the
objective pretty clearly. The possible reasons for its non usage are specified in the findings.

But even though commuters are not using it, it is a very good source of revenue from MMRDAs point of
view. The investment for the skywalk is Rs13.63 crore and the maintenance contract fetches Rs 79 crore.
That is a clear profit of Rs. 65 crore. The MMRDA gave the outdoor advertising and maintenance contract
for the skywalk to Reliance ADAG owned Adlabs. This contract will definitely boost the construction of
other walkways in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The contract includes construction of elevators at the Kalanagar end of the skywalk, besides construction of
toilets, setting up of CCTVs, hiring a private security agency and cleaning the walkway daily. This takes care
of few of the problem faced by the commuters.

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 5
CONCLUSION

There is a definite need for an alternative mode of transport to reduce the congestion. The skywalk is an
excellent alternative for that. It has reduced the congestion and traffic at and near Bandra station* to some
extent.

Even though most of the potential commuters are not using it, it has become a good source of revenue by
selling the maintenance contract. And the best part is that the maintenance contract carries all the
necessary activities that need to be done on a regular basis.

The other skywalks that are coming up have space for hawkers, which will reduce the congestion near the
station. Anyways, the hawkers near the station are illegal. This will give them an opportunity to set up their
stall legally. It will also motivate commuters who shop form the hawkers to use the skywalk.

The MMRDA should go ahead with the concept because from our perspective there is nothing to lose, but
form the MMRDA perspective there are many things to gain.

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 6
RECOMMENDATION

There are recommendations that came up in the process of filling the questionnaire, many of which are
already implemented or taken care of, few are not feasible and others were fantasy.

Feasible Recommendation:

More benches for people who have their morning/ evenings walks and hangouts

Dustbins for cleanliness

Telephone Booths

Trolleys for people to carry goods. Will help people carry goods from the station till their destination,
or the auto / bus stand

Promote as a convenient and safe alternative mode of transport

Space on the skywalk could be used to spread social awareness

22
QUESTIONNAIRE

Personal Details

Name: __________________________________________________________
Age Group (yrs): € up to 18 € 18 to 25 € 25 to 40 € 40 to 55 € 55 +
Gender: € Male € Female

Email Address: ___________________________________________________

Do you € work or € reside at Bandra (E)

Destination: _____________________________________________________

General Questions

1. How do you travel from Bandra Station to Your destination?

€ Walk € Auto
€ Bus € Other Mode of transport

2. Do you shop/stop on your way to/at Bandra station/workplace?

€ Yes € No
€ Hawkers
€ Retail shops
€ Smoking/ Pan Masala

3. What do you think about the Bandra Skywalk? Why?

€ Useful € Useless
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________

23
Skywalk

4. Do you use the new Skywalk?

€ Yes. Why? € No. Why?
€ Convenience € Other mode of transport
€ Fast and Safe € Only 4 Exit points
€ Hanging out € Time consuming
€ Evening/morning walk € Other :______________
€ Other :______________

5. How often do you use it?

€ Daily € Sometimes
€ Alternate days € Occasionally

6. You use it € To and fro or € One way

7. What do you expect from the skywalk?

_______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________

8. Any problem you face while walking in the skywalk?

_______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________

9. Alternative use of skywalk

_______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________

Thank you very much for your precious time

24
ANNEXURES

Newspaper/Online Clips

DNA

Over 1 lakh onlookers used Bandra skywalk

Ninad Siddhaye
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 03:32 IST

The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) officials have a reason to thank
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray.

With no buses, auto rickshaws and taxis running from Bandra (east) railway station on Tuesday, the
number of commuters using the skywalk went up rapidly.

According to a senior MMRDA official, that on a daily basis, an average numbers of 80,000 commuters uses
the skywalk, which was inaugurated in March this year. However, on Tuesday the number went up by
nearly 40% and crossed the one lakh mark, the official said.

“Many commuters prefer to take an auto or a bus to reach their destination from Bandra station. But since
the road from the station up to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) was blocked by MNS activists, almost all
commuters used the skywalk,” said Dilip Kawathkar, MMRDA spokesperson.

Hundreds of MNS supporters who were waiting outside the Bandra Metropolitan Court also took shelter
under the skywalk after they were driven away by the police.

“At least the police aren’t driving us away from here as well,” said Sunil Mahulkar, an MNS activist.

Link: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1200101

25
DNA

No need for skywalk: Grant Road traders

Ninad Siddhaye
Thursday, October 02, 2008 03:21 IST

Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority’s (MMRDA) plan to rehabilitate thousands of

hawkers on a number of skywalks has faced opposition. The Grant Road (west) retail traders association,
while calling the proposed skywalk unnecessary, has pointed towards a Supreme Court order which
prevents hawking around railway stations and on foot-over bridges.

The 650-metre proposed skywalk will connect Grant Road to Nana Chowk. The local association — which is
a part of Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association — has written a letter to MMRDA and the chief
minister questioning the necessity of a skywalk. The association has referred to a SC verdict in 2003 which
bans hawking within 150 metres of any railway station or on foot-over bridges.

Kanti Gada, president of Grant Road West Retail Traders Association said, “The station is well connected.
The commuters use the Grand Road flyover to go to Nana Chowk. There is an exclusive footpath on the
flyover. But pedestrians do not use it. If an existing bridge is not used, why should they build a skywalk?”

The skywalk, which will also accommodate 48 shops, is to be built on Nausher Bharucha Road (also known
as Slater road). There are about 15-20 buildings in that stretch. Many shopkeepers who are local residents
say the skywalk will hamper their business. “This road is very narrow. There are three schools here. If the
skywalk is constructed, the congestion will increase. This will affect our business. Moreover, many of the
buildings will also lose privacy,” said Arvind Nishar, office bearer of the association. Viren Shah, president
of Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association, said, “We are not against any development, but we
oppose the plan to have hawkers.

There are foot-over bridges and rail-over bridges which have been encroached by hawkers, drug peddlers
and other anti-social elements. Look at the condition of Dadar Bridge. Does MMRDA want to spread this
menace to other areas as well?”

Link: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1194931

DNA

MMRDA to count footfalls on skywalk

26
DNA Correspondent
Tuesday, September 30, 2008 03:27 IST

Process to extend 1.3-km walkway from Bandra to Kherwadi to begin soon

The Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) is planning a systematic check on
the utilization of its skywalk at Bandra. After modifications, the popularity of the 1.3-km walkway is on the
rise, but no specific data is available with the authority which gives an idea of number commuters using it.

“We will start a drive in which we will measure the number of commuters using the skywalk every day.
MMRDA has made certain modifications in the skywalk.

Additional exits have been provided at Anant Kanekar Marg near the Family court and near ONGC. This has
increased the number of users,” claimed R Ramana, senior planner at MMRDA.

As the skywalk ends at the Kalanagar junction, many commuters going to the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)
have to walk their way inside the complex. According to sources in MMRDA, the authority is in talks with
BEST to start ring route buses from the point where the skywalk ends, into BKC. “Those commuters who
have to reach BKC can take the skywalk and then take the bus to reach their destination in BKC. BEST has
given a favorable reply to start the service and asked MMRDA to send a proposal in this regard,” a senior
MMRDA official said.

Meanwhile, the stretch under the skywalk from Bandra station (east) up to the first exit of Anant Kanekar
Marg is still in a mess. Heaps of debris and encroachments along the footpath are making life miserable for
the pedestrians. On the other hand, men at work doing welding job on the skywalk inconvenience the
pedestrians. “We have informed municipal authorities to remove these encroachments. As far as the debris
is concerned, it is the responsibility of the contractor to clear the area.” said Dilip Kawathkar, joint project
director (public relations), MMRDA.

“We are in a process of expansion of the skywalk. It will take at least four months for us to extend the walk
way up to Kherwadi. We are yet to begin that work. Once that is done, we will clear the debris as well.”
said Anna Khade, managing director of DAS offshore Engineering, the company which has constructed the
skywalk.

Link: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1194284

Times of India

27
State plans skywalk for fast darshan at Siddhivinayak
25 Sep 2008, 0604 hrs IST, Ashley D’Mello,TNN

Mumbai: Devotees will now be able to reach Siddhivinayak temple faster. In a development that will cheer
devotees thronging the temple at Prabhadevi , the state is planning to build a 1.7 km-long skywalk from
Dadar (west) station to the temple.

Senior Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) officials involved in its planning
said that the skywalk will begin at Dadar station, near the Kabotarkhana , and go along S K Bhole Road and
on to Prabhadevi . "However, all these plans are tentative,'' said a high-ranking official.

This skywalk will be in addition to the one planned from Dadar station to Chaitayabhoomi at Shivaji Park,
he added.

The idea of a Siddhivinayak skywalk came up after numerous requests from city residents for a proper
access to the temple. "People can now come by train from different parts of the city and suburbs. They will
walk directly to the temple safely instead of walking through traffic,'' the officials stated.

"We have planned the skywalk and will now hold discussions with various groups, including politicians like
Eknath Gaikwad, Congress MP from Mumbai North Central and Manohar Joshi of the Shiv Sena,'' said the
MMRDA official. "We will listen to the people's suggestions and take them into consideration before we
finalise the plans,'' said the official.

When plans for the skywalk to Chaityabhoomi were unveiled a few months ago, concerns were raised by
residents and shopkeepers about the route which went through Ranade Road to Shivaji Park.

Link:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/State_plans_skywalk_for_fast_darshan_at_Siddhivinayak_/ar
ticleshow/3524589.cms

Express India

Plan for elevated deck for autos put on hold

SWAPNIL RAWAL
Posted: Sep 05, 2008 at 0425 hrs IST

28
Mumbai, September 4 Skywalk has provided substantial relief to traffic management, says Metropolitan
Commissioner

The proposal to construct an elevated deck to provide parking space for over 100 autorickshaws — on the
eastern side of Bandra railway station — has been put on hold momentarily since the skywalk has eased
the congestion.

Planned in mid-2007 to decongest the Bandra station area by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region
Development Authority (MMRDA), the elevated deck would allow passengers to get into an autorickshaw
without getting out of the railway station. To streamline the traffic movement and decongest the road near
the station a raised deck for autorickshaws was planned, while buses and other vehicles would ply under it.
According to Ratnakar Gaikwad, Metropolitan Commissioner, since the skywalk was commissioned in July
there has been relief in congestion levels on the eastern side of the station. “We will have to review the
plan of the auto deck as the skywalk has provided substantial relief to traffic management there,” said
Gaikwad.

The project was planned to be executed jointly by the MMRDA and the Western Railway (WR) in two
phases. In the first phase, WR would extend its foot overbridge (FOB) on the southern end of the station,
all the way till the nearby bus stands. MMRDA will construct the elevated deck, along with a ramp, in the
second phase.

“The east side of Bandra station was jampacked with autorickshaws and buses, which left a little space for
pedestrians, but since the exclusive walkway has been constructed things have changed,” said a senior
planning official of MMRDA. He added that such an expensive proposal could be avoided to be taken
forward.

“The skywalk provides commuters to walk up to Anant Kanekar Marg and now it is being extended upto
Kherwadi junction. Therefore, a traffic management study that would include redefine auto rickshaw
parking, bus stops and clearing few encroachments would improve the traffic flow considerable,” the
planner said.

The traffic management plan would be presented to the Metropolitan Commissioner in a fortnight after
which a decision on the deck is expected.

Link:http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Plan-for-elevated-deck-for-autos-put-on-hold/357599/

DNA

29
MMRDA hits jackpot with skywalk
Ninad Siddhaye
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 04:20 IST

Walkway made for Rs13.63 cr, maintenance contract fetches Rs79 cr

MUMBAI: Barely two months after it was thrown open, the city’s first skywalk has brought a windfall for
MMRDA (Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority).

On Monday, the MMRDA gave the outdoor advertising and maintenance contract for the skywalk to
Reliance ADAG owned Adlabs for a whopping Rs79crore.

Considering the project cost of Rs13.63 crore is around one-sixth of the maintenance contract awarded for
10 years, MMRDA officials know they are on to something big. There are nearly 22 similar skywalks in the
pipeline.

“Nobody at MMRDA expected the skywalk to fetch such a huge amount. This contract will definitely boost
the construction of other walkways in the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region),” said metropolitan
commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad.

The planning and development agency had invited bids for operation and maintenance of the 1.3-km-long
skywalk, which connects Bandra station (east) to Kalanagar junction, in June. The contract includes
construction of elevators at the Kalanagar end of the skywalk, besides construction of toilets, setting up of
CCTVs (closed circuit cameras), hiring a private security agency and cleaning the walkway daily, said joint
project director, MMRDA, Dilip Kawathkar. Nearly 35,000 people use it daily.

Six bidders in the race included Jay Kumar and Pioneer Ltd which quoted Rs51.03 crore, Supreme
Advertising and Entertainment Pvt Ltd Rs36.36 crore and Rajdeep Buildcon along with RPPL wanted to
maintain the skywalk for Rs15.14 crore for the 10-year tenure. Das Offshore Pvt Ltd, the company which
has built the skywalk along with DS Mittal, were disqualified from the bidding process.

Link: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1184278

DNA

Don’t just skywalk, shop too

30
Shwetaa Karnik
Thursday, July 24, 2008 02:58 IST

The second pedestrian skywalk, after the one already operational in Bandra (East), will be completed
within six months at Kanjur Marg. Unlike the one at Bandra, the Kanjur Marg one will have space for shops
and vendors.

The width of the 222-metre-long skywalk would be seven metres, as against the five metres of width on
the Bandra skywalk; in Kanjur Marg, the walkway space available for the pedestrians would be four metres,
for vendors — three metres and one metre for the shoppers. The estimated cost of the skywalk is Rs5.87
crore.

“Over the last five years station areas have emerged as nodal points for retail business. At the same time
the concentration of transport interchange activities, passengers hopping from suburban trains to BEST
buses or taxis and rickshaws is adding to congestion problems near stations. To combat this, we are
building skywalks with shopping plazas across the city,” said PRK Murthy, chief of transportation and
communication of MMRDA.

Conceived as a part of the Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme, MMRDA plans to build 50 skywalks
across the city at a cost of Rs600 crore. The project will be executed in collaboration with Central Railways
which will extend its existing foot-over-bridge at Vikhroli-end which will be joined with the skywalk to be
connected to Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road.

Link: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1179426

Midday

October mayhem
By: Shashank RaoDate: 25 Jun, 2008 07:13 AM
Mumbai:
Be prepared: Construction of flyovers at various points in the city is already causing traffic congestion

Now that Mumbai's first skywalk, the 1.8-km stretch at Bandra (E), has officially opened for the public, the
Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) has geared up to launch three major
projects across the city. The MMRDA will commence work on the 49 remaining skywalks, along with
building two monorails, five lakh houses under the Slum Prevention Programme and 9,000 toilets across
the city this October.

31
This will ensure that Mumbaikars have a tough time commuting in the city. Areas like Dadar (Kabutar
Khana), Bandra (W), Andheri, Borivli, CST-Churchgate, Parel, Kurla, Kanjurmarg and Chembur will be
severely affected as pillars for the 49 skywalks will be erected in these areas.

For the monorail project, a 25-km stretch of roads through Malabar Hill and Bandra Kurla Complex will be
dug up to construct single-line pillars. Other areas that will be affected are Chembur, Mahul, Dahisar and
Borivli. It costs nearly Rs 75 crore to construct a kilometre of monorail

Ratnakar Gaikwad, MMRDA commissioner said, "All these projects will start from October. We plan to
complete them in the next 3 years."

The cost of these projects is a gigantic Rs 3,325 crore.

Areas that will be dug up

Malabar Hill, Bandra, Parel, Dadar, Andheri, Kurla and Chembur

600 crore
Total cost of constructing 50 skywalks

1,875 crore
Cost of constructing two monorail projects

Link: http://mid-day.com/news/2008/jun/250608MMRDA.htm

Express India

Inaugurated by CM, first skywalk is shaky by evening

Express News Service
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 11:01:23

Mumbai, June 24 Hours after the city’s first exclusive walkway was inaugurated with much fanfare by Chief
Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, the Bandra skywalk was reportedly “shaking” at the Anant Kanekar Marg
junction and was temporarily closed down.

32
Confirming the reports, Metropolitan Commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad said: “Vibrations were experienced
by pedestrians on the right turn at Anant Kanekar Marg. There is no need to panic as the skywalk is
structurally very stable. The structural engineers are attending to it.”

The entire skywalk, which is built with around 800 metric tonnes of steel, has been welded together to
erect the massive yellow structure. According to Gaikwad, the joints of the steel might have not been
welded properly which may have caused the skywalk to shake. “The engineers are attending to it and will
weld that portion properly, if needed,” Gaikwad said.

The 1.3-km skywalk that connects the Bandra railway station’s east-side foot overbridges to Kalanagar,
passing through Anant Kanekar Marg, D P Road and Nandadeep Garden over the Western Express
Highway, is estimated to be used by around 3 lakh pedestrians everyday.

Earlier in the day, Deshmukh praised the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s efforts to
complete the first of the 50 such skywalks within the stipulated time frame. The visibly “delighted”
Deshmukh during his speech at the inauguration said: “I’m delighted that the city’s first skywalk will
facilitate pedestrians in crossing roads. People can also use the skywalk for morning walks or even evening
walks,” he suggested. Deshmukh also said the MMRDA would finish the remaining 49 skywalks to be
constructed in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region by March 2009.

Meanwhile, the MMRDA will now start work on the extension to this skywalk. “This skywalk would be
extended to Kherwadi junction along the Anant Kanekar Marg and later, work on an extension from the
station end to Bandra Terminus will begin,” Gaikwad said. The work on the Kherwadi junction extension is
expected to finish in three to four months.

The MMRDA has also proposed to install lifts at Kalanagar Junction and at the Anant Kanekar Marg police
chowky.

“The lifts would be installed from the revenue generated through advertising which will take about two
months,” a senior official said on condition of anonymity. Deshmukh asked the MMRDA to restrict the
advertisement rights on the skywalk to protect the beauty of the structure.

“We are in the tendering process to appoint a security agency and would also install closed-circuit
television cameras. Only 40 per cent of the skywalk would be utilised for advertising and its locations would
be decided by the MMRDA,” Gaikwad said.

Link:http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Inaugurated-by-CM-first-skywalk-is-shaky-by-
evening/327115/

33
The Times of India

Mumbai gets its first skywalk

25 Jun 2008, 0434 hrs IST,TNN

MUMBAI: A brisk gait and furtive glances at their watches made a group of office-goers seem like they
were participating in a marathon as they walked across the city's first skywalk, which was inaugurated by
the chief minister on Tuesday morning. They were in fact clocking the time it took to walk from the Bandra-
Kurla Complex end of the 1.3-km-long skywalk to Bandra railway station.

Office-goers and students darted across the skywalk, barely sparing a moment for the breathtaking view or
the fresh garlands strung across the yellow bars, in an indication of why Mumbai is known as the city that's
"always on the run".

If convenience was what some like Shikha Parmeshwaran and her colleague were exploring along the
route, others were drawn there out of sheer curiosity. Children from the sprawling slums nearby stood
around in groups excitedly pointing out their houses from above.

"It's great, as one doesn't have to walk through the muck and traffic. But as of now, the stretch seems too
long. It will benefit us if officials build a staircase closer to our office," said Parmeshwaran, who works in an
oil company nearby.

The levelled stretch of the walkway is in stark contrast to the potholed, traffic-clogged roads below and
teeming with hutments on both the sides. Many however, pointed to the need for a security patrol on the
skywalk to prevent encroachments.

A group of college students was also among those those who tried out the skywalk on Tuesday. "We're just
trying it out," said Manali Sakpal, a student of Hire architectural college. But school students like Danish
Sheikh and Naushad Khan said they had made up their mind to use the structure regularly.

"I am basically a walker and concepts like are always welcome," said businessmen K Kumar who visits
clients at BKC twice a week.

Link:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Mumbai/Mumbai_gets_its_first_skywalk/articleshow/3161970.c
ms

34
Midday

Mumbai to show the world how to walk

By: Shashank Rao Date: 2008-07-16
Mumbai:

Connecting people: Over 2,000 commuters use the city's first skywalk to walk from Bandra Railway station
to Kalanagar.

Barely a month after the city's first skywalk opened for public, the Ministry of Urban Development is so
impressed by the success of the Bandra skywalk that it plans to promote the concept overseas.

The department has requested Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) to
submit all the details pertaining to the skywalk, including its plan, design, photographs and minute details,
which it plans to promote at international conferences and meetings.

The Ministry would be promoting the idea behind Mumbai's first skywalk, rather than giving official letters
at international conferences. S K Lohia, director, Urban Transport Division from the ministry, said, "We will
showcase the skywalk at international forums and conferences. The Indore Bus Model became a success in
other countries after we promoted it in similar fashion." There are nearly 13 international forums on
infrastructure that take place every year.

More skywalks

In the meantime, the Ministry is also spreading the word among other states, to construct similar skywalks
at busy junctions. "The national urban transport policy takes care of modes of transport, but doesn't give
much impetus to pedestrian walkways," said another MMRDA official.

P R SK Murthy, chief of Transport and Communication, MMRDA said, "The Ministry of Urban Development
has appreciated the skywalk, and wants to endorse it in the international arena. We are in the middle of
submitting the required details asked by them."

MMRDA officials accepted that the footfalls on skywalks are less than expected. "We are glad that at least
2,000 people take the skywalk during peak hours. Mumbaikars don't have the habit of walking even a
kilometre," said a senior MMRDA official.

35
Link: http://www.mid-day.com/news/2008/jul/160708skywalk.htm

Mumbai Mirror

CST-Churchgate skywalk to be ready by 2009

Posted On Monday, June 02, 2008

Mumbai: Walking through roads dotted with hawkers will soon be a thing of the past for Mumbai
pedestrians as the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation has planned to construct a 1.5-km-
long “skywalk” between Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Churchgate stations.

“The pedestrian skywalk from CST to Churchgate has received permission from the environment and
archaeology departments,” Minister of Public Works Department Anil Deshmukh said.

Anil Deshmukh, Minister of Public Works Department, said the work for the skywalk will start after
monsoon

“The work for the skywalks will start after monsoon and the surveys, investigations, planning, designing
and pre-tendering activities for the construction are in progress. The MSRDC expects to complete the
project by June next year,” he added.

As per the plan, the skywalk starts at canon shop near CST subway and goes to MTNL, VSNL then ends at
subway of Churchgate station.

This skywalk will have an elevator to climb and a broad walkway for comfortable walking. The minister said
the skywalk will not have single hawker and security will be provided to pedestrians.

Deshmukh said the skywalk would have few shops, toilets and public phone booths but won’t create any
hurdle for people. The skywalk would be closed in the night and open in the morning to avoid any misuse.

A polycarbonate roofing would be provided for weather protection. It is planned to keep the sides of the
skywalks partially open or transparent so the inside of the walkway is visible from surrounding areas.

Along with this, 16 other skywalks at various railway stations and one subway at CST to GPO have also been
announced by the MSRDC. In phase I, the skywalks will be built at Nalasopara(W), Vasai Road(W),
Ambernath(W), Goregaon(W), Kandivali(E), Vile Parle(W),Lower Parel(E), Masjit(W).

36
The cost of the entire project is estimated to be Rs 225 crore and the MMRDA is the main funding agency
for the project. The MSRDC had conducted a pre-feasibility survey in 2005 about the need of skywalks and
50 places were identified.

Link:
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&sectid=2&contentid=200806022008060
2033332476616847b4&pageno=1

The Times of India

MMRDA gets nod for skywalks

5 Feb 2008, 0046 hrs IST,TNN

MUMBAI: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has got the go-ahead from
Central Railway (CR) for single-window clearance for the Rs 600-crore skywalk project in the city.

MMRDA chief Ratnakar Gaikwad had a talk with CR general manager Soumiya Raghavan about creating a
single-window clearance to speed up the projects. Over 50 skywalks are planned for the city.

Link:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Mumbai/MMRDA_gets_nod_for_skywalks/articleshow/2756976
.cms

DNA

BKC-Bandra skywalk project

Chittaranjan Tembhekar
Tuesday, October 16, 2007 05:18 IST

Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Monday approved the Rs9.55 crore
tender to construct the first-ever skywalk in Mumbai.

The skywalk will connect Bandra station (East) and Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) via Kalanagar.
“Construction will begin by November 5,” said Metropolitan Commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad.

37
The two-km skywalk will be commissioned before March 2008. It would have a staircase at BKC and near
Mhada office at Kalanagar. The skywalk would run parallel to Anant Kanekar Marg and will approach
Western Express highway via ONGC.

It will be four-meters wide and six-meters above the ground. “Lifts for handicapped have been planned,”
said PRK Murthy, MMRDA chief for transport and communication.

Another skywalk from Bandra station (West) to Turner Road via Hill Road will be constructed within a year.
Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh had approved the Rs600 crore project to construct skywalks at 20
stations last month. The project will be implemented over the next three years.

Link: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1127886

Express India

After Bandra, Kandivli may have skywalk too

Swapnil Rawal
Posted: Oct 05, 2007 at 0000 hrs IST

Mumbai, October 04 AFTER the Bandra skywalk, which will be taken up on a pilot basis to ease pedestrian
congestion near the railway station, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is
looking to build similar facilities on the eastern face of the Kandivli station.
The MMRDA, which is proposing 100 km of skywalks across the city at a cost of Rs 600 crore, believes there
is a dire need for an exclusive skywalk as there is a huge number of pedestrians who need to walk from the
eastern side of the Kandivli railway station to the Western Express Highway.

“Everyday, thousands of pedestrians walk up to the highway or use autorickshaws and other private
vehicles,” an MMRDA official said. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), he
said, has carried out a survey on the station area and its finding confirm this need, he added.

Late last month, chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh approved various projects aimed at improving basic city
infrastructure — including the skywalks — after a meeting with officials of MMRDA and the Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation (BMC).

MMRDA commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad said even as the MMRDA is focused on the Bandra skywalk, it is
also interested in building skywalks in south Mumbai. “We are interested in a skywalk from Chhatrapati

38
Shivaji Terminus to Gateway of India and from CST to Churchgate and back, subject to a nod from the
heritage committee,” Gaikwad said.

The other stations to be decongested on priority will be those under the Station Area Traffic Improvement
Scheme (SATIS), a part of the showcase Mumbai Urban Transport Project. “Our priority is Bandra skywalk
so that Mumbaiites will come to know the impact of a skywalk. Separate consultants will be appointed
study and shortlist 15 other congested stations,” he added.

Referring to the MSRDC survey on congested station areas, Gaikwad said he had gone through it but “it
was not on a massive scale.”

Two skywalks have been proposed at Bandra for those exiting crowded Bandra station: one that leads to
Hill Road over S V Road and another one on the east to the Bandra Kurla Complex. The MMRDA will soon
invite tenders for the project.

Link: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/after-bandra-kandivli-may-have-skywalk-too/224493/

Zeenews.com

MSRDC to start feasibility study for skywalks

Mumbai, Feb 24: Maharashtra state road development corporation (MSRDC) would undertake a pre-
feasibility study for the skywalks at nine suburban railway stations in the metropolis.

According to experts skywalk is the best alternative for thousands of commuters using the suburban train
services who face congestion problems while using the bridge and come out of the station.

Skywalks can give the commuters easy access from stations to the adjoining roads.

Of the 50 skywalks to come up in the metropolis at a cost of rs 600 crore, mumbai metropolitan region
development authority (MMRDA), which has proposed the skywalks, will build the structures near 21
suburban stations.

The MMRDA, in turn, has asked the MSRDC to get to work at nine stations - Nalasopara, Vasai Road,
Ambernath, Goregaon, Vile Parle and Kandivili in the western railway zone and Masjid Bunder and Lower
Parel in the Central Railway zone, a senior MSRDC official told a news agency.

39
MSRDC has done pre-feasibility study on skywalk in 2005, which suggests the need for it in the city. The
study was conducted by Frishman-Prabhu named elevated pedestrian walking pre-feasibility study. The
study had identified 18 railway stations, where skywalks are required, said a senior official.

Link: http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=426379&sid=REG

40
Comments

Marathikatta.com

The skywalk is here, but...Will you use it?

It cost Rs 10 crore to build. But when Shashank Rao took a walk down the Bandra skywalk, which will finally
open on June 26, he came away wondering why anyone would use it.

Mumbai’s first skywalk from Bandra station (east) to Kalanagar will open to the public on June 26. But this
reporter found several reasons why Mumbaikars wouldn’t opt for the Rs 10-crore skywalk…

Transport

Currently, people catch an auto or bus from Bandra station to reach BKC. Getting public transport will
become difficult if they use the skywalk and come out at Kalanagar. The buses are already packed when
they reach the Kalanagar stop. It is also rare to see an empty auto in the area. A transport expert feels
commuters will be discouraged from using the skywalk unless there is better public transport at Kalanagar.

Comments
I feel in future, there should be something which should be called as "Skyride".from Virar To churchagte. so
that people travelling by virar trains can take their bikes and cycle to their offices rather than travelling by
such horrible & crowded trains. atleast their travelling can be 80% safer.

I will never use bandra skywalk just because its too long, I believe its built for hawkers.

The theory was good, perhaps the execution was not proper.. ?

Maybe MMRDA should rebrand the skywalks as Joggers Road or something.. maybe if Navalkar Sir was
alive he would have liked them to be called Nana-Nani walks and reserved for old people and children only
:-)

Anyway by the end of the monsoon i think BMC will have claimed that these sky-walks are the worlds first
'Anti-flooding roads'

Link: http://www.marathikatta.com/General/the-skywalk-is-here-but-will-you-use-it/

41
Mumbaipluses.com

Do you agree that the suburban railway stations need a skywalk to facilitate commuting?

Posted On Saturday, April 26, 2008

Suburban residents as well as regular commuters realise the need of skywalks at railway stations and feel
that they would be immensely benefited if this facility is made available at the earliest

I believe that the suburban roads are congested and the lack of physical infrastructure here makes the
need for skywalks evident.

The roads in Kalyan and Dombivli are always crowded and the scene is worse during peak hours. The
congestion here is largely due to the presence of hawkers on the roads where a huge number of residents
shop. Moving through this crowd takes a lot of time and commuters miss their trains (during the morning
peak hours). Skywalks would definitely facilitate faster movement of pedestrians, especially those who do
not want to shop.
Sriram Iyer,Via email

The proposed skywalk will help eliminate a lot of problems that are faced by regular commuters in Kalyan
station. Taking into account the huge population of the suburb this skywalk should be made functional as
soon as possible.
Hetal Thakkar,Via email

Residents of Kalyan are facing the huge problem of traffic congestion with auto, bus and horse buggies on
the roads. To overcome this problem, a skywalk is very much needed in Kalyan as the suburb is growing day
by day and the population is also increasing tremendously. We thank DK Plus for inviting views on such
problems as our corporators are not travelling daily by this road and they won't be aware of this problem
till next election.
Sudhkar Parab,Kalyan West

I read the article on the proposed skywalk at the Kalyan Railway station aimed at decongesting the areas
outside the station premises. I am happy that the authorities have finally woken up to the problems that
the commuters face. Considering the fact that Kalyan is a major railway junction, the facilities were largely
insufficient and this step was long overdue.

42
I am glad that DK Plus published this information for the general public and has given all the appropriate
facts and figures. However, I feel that the skywalk should be extended to Kalyan East also and the project
should be implemented at the earliest.
C K Balkrishnan, Secretary, Kalyan Railway Passengers Association

Link:
http://www.mumbaipluses.com/DombivaliKalyanplus/index.aspx?page=article&sectid=7&contentid=2008
042620080425155549549b6584eca&sectxslt=&comments=true&pageno=1

DNA

The Americanisation of Indian life

Neeta Kolhatkar
Friday, September 12, 2008 21:38 IST

It's time for Mumbai's public transport commuters and walkers to revolt

After the construction of the skywalk in Bandra was completed, the civic authorities patted themselves on
their backs and citizens were elated. Finally, they had a walkway above the dirt, hawkers, encroachments
and the slums that seemed to be growing on a daily basis. One walks above mortals and the lakhs of
vehicles that ply the Western Express Highway.

Yes, I felt compelled to walk through it twice: Once for the sheer experience and the second time to reach
the MHADA offices. The experience was worth it. But I have a grouse, why am I being forced to walk above
the city's roads when I have a rightful claim to walk on them?

As a walker, I no more have any space on the ground in this Mumbai city, which is also mine, by the way. I
have NO right to walk on its roads and pavements. The mentality and the policies, all favour vehicle-
owners. In order to accommodate me and my type - ordinary commuters - new skywalks are being
planned. Wah! So am I to feel elated?

But wait, if this was being made for us 'walkers' why is the skywalk not open 24x7? Because the authorities
allege that the Behram Pada residents (sorry, slum-dwellers) began sleeping on the skywalk. So the skywalk
too has limited usage time!

Now I have observed that the roads and pavements that were ours - the walkers - are no longer meant to
be used by us. Has anyone noticed how we are copying the American model of urbanisation and
development?

43
I am strongly opposed to this, because it encourages consumerism, individualism and does NOT promote
public use of infrastructure for the ordinary and the poor. These are NOT my claims. This has been
documented by many writers, including my favourite, Bill Bryson.

Roads were conceptualised and built by human beings for themselves. Then, with engineering came
pavements. Meanwhile, the Americans built the most modern and cheap cars, and some most luxurious
and obscenely priced ones too.

However, the rest of the developed world encouraged their city planners to develop better pavements,
gave decent pedestrian crossings, and the British introduced the public transport system, which we
developing nations copied.

In America, the public transport system simply collapsed, and in many places it never took off at all. The
Americans built their roads for their cars and vehicles. So the then came up with skywalks, foot-over
bridges, and subways, whereby the people who did use the limited public transport would drive their cars
up to a point, get out and walk straight into the subway or onto the skywalk and get into a Metro.

Earlier the roads in India were always built for walkers. We always had a huge chunk of population that
lived below the poverty line. Like a prized possession, the car would be preserved and used only for
'special' occasions. Hence, the roads had NO dividers. The Zebra crossings were clear and demarcated.

Subways and skywalks did not exist. Now the roads in America of course are huge, and twice the width of
ours. We are copying this model to the last detail. Now we have pavements that are too high to climb, road
dividers that prevent me from crossing the road, and Zebra crossings that have been erased.

Slowly, the hawkers began claiming territory. Then we experienced the automobile boom: More
affordable cars. Along with this came the economic boom, India shone, with more and more of the middle
class moving to the upper end of the economic spectrum. So we got more rich people, hungry for more
cars with rear-ends resembling that of a hippopotamus or rhinoceros.

Slowly the commuter profile too underwent a change. But the number of commuters has increased
manifold, which the demographic planners and city planners simply forgot.

So we did get subways, but NO law that prevents hawkers from cooking in them. One doesn't need a
terrorist to plant an explosive inside a subway at CST or Churchgate. Worse still, there is no security at the
Haji Ali subway, while the super mod Metro subway closes after 9.30pm.

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The sizes of dividers have increased. They also are designed to prevent commuters jumping over them. The
crossings either do not exist, or are at far ends of roads. For example, there was a crossing outside the
main entrance of Churchgate, which the traffic, railways and civic authorities simply sealed. They are
oblivious to the fact that there are many bus stops there, a huge entrance and mass of humans pass that
path on a daily basis.

First we got thigh high concrete dividers, which were broken, so they were replaced with iron grills, now
sturdier and higher metal dividers have been put up.

I support the commuters who have pulled down these dividers. Yes, a revolt of sorts is necessary when the
authorities use force to prevent people from doing things normally. It is the right of a person to walk on the
road. It is the right of a human being to use the pavement. Instead of making the pavements clear for
walking, they beautify it and make mini-gardens in the middle, again obstructing walkers.

A walker is an integral part of this city, its growth, and buzz. Many businesses thrive around the stations
and the city because of its commuters.
k_neeta@dnaindia.net

Link: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1189685&pageid=0

Desicritics.org

The Bandra Skywalk - Skywalking to Stay Fit and Healthy

July 26, 2008
Rajen Nair

When I first heard the news of the completion of the Bandra skywalk project linking Bandra station to
Bandra –kurla complex (BKC), I had a longing to walk on it. The opportunity came up this week, a month
after it was open to the pedestrians.

The Bandra Skywalk is the first project to have been completed among the many such skywalk projects
coming up all over Mumbai. It was built by the MMRDA (Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development
Authority) at an estimated cost of Rs 13.63 crore. The Bandra Skywalk is built 6 metres above ground level
and is 4 metres wide. It is a 1.3 Km long stretch running parallel to the Slums near Bandra station, the
Indian oil office and above the Western Express highway.

The entry and exit point is the Bandra station and BKC.

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The idea of building skywalks is for quick thinning out of commuters from congested places like Railway
stations, Bus stops, Taxi stands and shopping areas and off the roads which would help decongest the
crowded areas.

In the past, people had to depend on the State-owned BEST buses for going from Bandra station to BKC.
The long serpentine line at the bus stand for boarding the bus was a sheer waste of time. The Rickshaws
had absolute monopoly on this route, taking one for a ride, choosing longer routes and fleecing the
passengers. Now that the skywalk is in place, the commuters would be largely benefited.

The good news is that MMRDA is undertaking 50 such Skywalk projects in and round Mumbai at an
estimated cost of Rs 600 crore.

I am a tireless walker who covers a minimum of 2 to 3 Km daily stretch on the Mumbai footpath. I avoid
boarding the BEST bus by skipping 3 to 5 bus stops. Whenever I visit my bank at Dadar, I walk up to
Matunga which is about 2.5 km. Being at Matunga, not having hot filter coffee at the Udipi Hotel is akin to
a religious person missing a visit to the local temple. When I visit the town, I cover the whole stretch from
VT to Colaba by foot, I know it is daunting task and at the end of the day it drains you of whatever energy is
left but the sheer exhilarating experience of walking is too tempting for me.

As a photographer, walking on the streets gives me more photo-opportunities. The positive side of walking
is that it helps keeps me fit and healthy and avoid falling sick thus I save on medical bills which is a costly
affair in city of Mumbai.

I avoid taking my vehicle except for going long distances with my family. When I look at people, especially
the car owners and motorists using vehicles even if they have to walk to the next door grocery shop, I think
they are doing a disservice to their health. Sadly we have not cultivated the habit of walking to the next-
gen. I see many of the college-going guys reluctant to walk. There is no substitute to walking as one of the
best antidote to stay fit and healthy.

The Skywalk has many advantage in terms of saving time and money. At the same time, in today’s bustling
life of Mumbai it would give an opportunity to many who has no time to exercise and can sky walk. With
many more such skywalks being built in Mumbai, I hope urban people would imbibe the culture of walking,
like in the villages. The next time you skywalk think of the therapeutic services it does to your health in
making you stay fit and healthy.

Link: http://desicritics.org/2008/07/26/022419.php

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Currently, people catch an auto or bus from Bandra station to reach BKC. Getting public transport will
become difficult if they use the skywalk and come out at Kalanagar. The buses are already packed when
they reach the Kalanagar stop. It is also rare to see an empty auto in the area. A transport expert feels
commuters will be discouraged from using the skywalk unless there is better public transport at Kalanagar.

- Anonymous

Hello Bandra, try the skywalk

Tuesday, June 24, 2008 22:29 IST

The futuristic Bandra East skyway is an escape route for harassed pedestrians who had to fight crowds,
traffic and hawkers on their daily walk to and from the station. Brinda Majithia and Ravish Khapra were
there at its inauguration for early feedback from skywalkers

More exit points, please

Organisations like Indian Oil, ONGC, and HDIL are situated along the skywalk's route. Some of us who work
in these organisations had started a campaign for alternate exits to these office complexes. It is a waste for
us to walk the whole way on the skywalk and then do the distance back. As it is now, the skywalk would
benefit only those who need to go to Kalanagar. As a concept, the skywalk seems a great idea. But I hope it
will be well lit in the nights so that women commuters can walk confidently and without fear. And hawkers
would be a bad idea here.
—Dilip Agashe

A pleasurable walk
The skywalk is a great idea, particularly during the monsoons. It will save us the miserable walk through the
puddles and the squalor surrounding the station. It also means bypassing the traffic and crowds in the area.
I travel every day down this route because I work in an IT organisation at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). I
definitely intend to use the skywalk daily. For those who work in the interior of BKC it means a long walk
from Kalanagar. It would help a lot of people if the skywalk was to be extended in the direction of the
highway.
—Vasant Rathod

Link: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1173330\

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Pictures of the Bandra Skywalk

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THANK YOU

*****

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