The Times of India 02.08.2010
PCMC to build skywalks with World Bank aid
PUNE: The World Bank (WB) has directed the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to prepare proposals for construction of skywalks that will connect railway stations to the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) routes.
Municipal commissioner Ashish Sharma said, "A delegation of World Bank officials had visited the Pimpri-Chinchwad township on Friday to discussions the skywalk plan, which will be started under the pedestrian access project."
The PCMC will construct three flyovers with the help of WB, namely at Nashik Phata chowk at Kasarwadi, Empire Estate in Chinchwad and Dange chowk in Thergaon.
When asked when the designs of skywalks will be ready, Sharma said, "We have started work on the two-storey flyover at Nashik Phata and will soon float tenders for the one at Empire Estate. The approval of WB for the design of Dange chowk flyover is awaited. They have assured to approve the design immediately. We are concentrating on these two projects for now. Other projects will be taken up once work on these two flyovers begins."
The World Bank officials visited Nashik Phata flyover site, Kalewadi on the BRTS route of Kalewadi phata - Dehu Alandi and Dange chowk in the municipal limits.
Explaining the need for skywalks, Sharma said, "Foot over bridges are meant to help pedestrians cross the roads. But these are less used. We want dedicated walking areas for pedestrians that will connect two or more places. So, the need for skywalks."
Skywalks will be about 500 to 700 meters in length and will connect the railway stations and the BRTS routes. The PCMC plans to construct a skywalk to link Pimpri railway station to Pune-Mumbai highway."
There are five railway stations in PCMC limits namely Dapodi, Kasarwadi, Pimpri, Chinchwad and Akurdi. Except Akurdi railway station, the rest of them are located close to the Pune-Mumbai highway which is a BRTS route.
Sharma said, "Wherever there is a possibility to connect the railway stations to the highway through skywalks, we will try to construct one. But, a final decision has still to be taken."
Speaking to TOI, Dilip Kudale, co-ordinator, engineering department, PCMC, said, "The formal approval of the WB for the design of the Empire Estate flyover is expected by August 9. The passengers for the BRTS routes need to be increased to benefit maximum people. The railway passengers who alight at the railway stations can be potential passengers for the buses plying on the BRTS routes."
Municipal commissioner Ashish Sharma said, "A delegation of World Bank officials had visited the Pimpri-Chinchwad township on Friday to discussions the skywalk plan, which will be started under the pedestrian access project."
The PCMC will construct three flyovers with the help of WB, namely at Nashik Phata chowk at Kasarwadi, Empire Estate in Chinchwad and Dange chowk in Thergaon.
When asked when the designs of skywalks will be ready, Sharma said, "We have started work on the two-storey flyover at Nashik Phata and will soon float tenders for the one at Empire Estate. The approval of WB for the design of Dange chowk flyover is awaited. They have assured to approve the design immediately. We are concentrating on these two projects for now. Other projects will be taken up once work on these two flyovers begins."
The World Bank officials visited Nashik Phata flyover site, Kalewadi on the BRTS route of Kalewadi phata - Dehu Alandi and Dange chowk in the municipal limits.
Explaining the need for skywalks, Sharma said, "Foot over bridges are meant to help pedestrians cross the roads. But these are less used. We want dedicated walking areas for pedestrians that will connect two or more places. So, the need for skywalks."
Skywalks will be about 500 to 700 meters in length and will connect the railway stations and the BRTS routes. The PCMC plans to construct a skywalk to link Pimpri railway station to Pune-Mumbai highway."
There are five railway stations in PCMC limits namely Dapodi, Kasarwadi, Pimpri, Chinchwad and Akurdi. Except Akurdi railway station, the rest of them are located close to the Pune-Mumbai highway which is a BRTS route.
Sharma said, "Wherever there is a possibility to connect the railway stations to the highway through skywalks, we will try to construct one. But, a final decision has still to be taken."
Speaking to TOI, Dilip Kudale, co-ordinator, engineering department, PCMC, said, "The formal approval of the WB for the design of the Empire Estate flyover is expected by August 9. The passengers for the BRTS routes need to be increased to benefit maximum people. The railway passengers who alight at the railway stations can be potential passengers for the buses plying on the BRTS routes."
