First-Of-Its-Kind in India Thane-Mumbai Skywalk

On Nov 29, 2018

NP NEWS 24 ONLINE – Mumbai and Thane will soon have the country’s first skywalk connecting two cities across a road. The ambitious plan will benefit more than 25,000 commuters who currently risk their lives every day, walking on railway tracks to cross the road to Thane station, resulting in several casualties. But this will soon be water under the bridge once the authorities build the Rs 23.25-crore foot over bridge across the creek.

Things you need to know about country’s first skywalk

1. Cost in crores

This is the country’s first skywalk that will be connecting two cities–Mumbai and Thane. Estimated to cost approx. Rs 23.25 crore, it will ease the burden of the commuters, while crossing the railway tracks.

2. First time to connect two cities by skywalk

605-m long and 145-m wide, it will run parallel to the railway tracks currently being used by the pedestrians. It is going to be the first to span a creek as well as connect cities.

3. Duration cut to 5 minutes from 20 minutes

Scheduled to be completed by March 2019, this project was initiated as part of the anti-trespassing measure being undertaken by the Railways. In a report, an official with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), explained, “Right now, commuters cross the tracks to avoid a 20-minute walk. The proposed skywalk will take just five minutes to cross.”

4. Will reduce the number of accident and deaths

Once constructed, it will also drastically reduce the number of accidents and deaths that crossing the railway tracks on foot brings about. The casualties along this stretch are so high that Thane features in a list as the third-highest number of railway deaths in 2018 alone. The skywalk will surely help change that.

5. Elevators and seating arrangements

With a great design in place, it boasts of elevators and seating arrangements for senior citizens. Equipment for firefighting, service ducts along the walkways and clear signage boards will also provide necessary guidance to users. It will also provide relief to commuters during the monsoons, especially with the installation of anti-skid flooring that will prevent mishaps.