Hindustan Times 06.01.2010
MMRDA builds Bhandup skywalk, scraps part of itIn a classic case of poor planning and squandering of public wealth, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has decided to scrap a part of the Bhandup skywalk being constructed.
The stretch between Dream Mall on LBS Marg and Tank Road will now be scrapped, as it is likely to affect construction of the proposed Mulund Ghatkopar metro line, which will run on LBS Marg.
MMRDA has already incurred a cost of Rs 3 – 4 lakh for piling work on a 230 metre stretch, which will be scrapped. The agency has dug up the roads and undertaken piling work on six places on this stretch.
“In view of the proposed Mulund-Ghatkopar metro line we have decided to scrap a section of the flyover,” MMRDA’s additional chief engineer Ananad Pahal said.
Interestingly, both the skywalk and the metro project are being undertaken by the MMRDA and highlight the haphazard planning of infrastructure projects in the city.
The MMRDA was planning to build a Rs 18 crore skywalk stretching from Bhandup Railway station till Tank Road.
The skywalk would link Bhandup station road to Dream Mall on LBS Road and then continue towards Tank Road. As per the new proposal, the skywalk will now run from the Bhandup station road till Dream Mall on LBS Marg and stop 150 metres after the mall.
MMRDA claims the skywalk will be completed in two months. However, sources said it will take at least four months to complete the remaining work as the Railways have still not granted permissions. “We are coordinating with the Railway Authorities for their approval which we will get soon,” Joint Metropolitan Commissioner, Ashwini Bhide said.
