CAUTIOUS: Mumbai's first skywalk in Bandra.  FILE PIC

Mumbai might be on a skywalk spree right now, but the government agencies are treading with caution when it comes to security threats that could arise from them. Not only are they ensuring special security measures for skywalks at sensitive locations, they are also changing plans where the risk is too high.

Dadar skywalk

The proposed skywalk at Dadar (East), which will go past the Swami Narayan Temple, is one of the more sensitive locations. An MMRDA official said, "Providing security will be a priority, especially at the Dadar skywalk. A contractor will be appointed for security and maintenance." The skywalk will extend up to Wadala railway station. This 2-km skywalk will cost close to Rs 20 crore and have a width of more than 4 m.

At GPO

Meanwhile, the MSRDC changed its plan of building a skywalk near the General Post Office (GPO), as it would have put CST at risk. They have decided to build a subway instead.

Said MSRDC Chairman Anil Deshmukh, "We will construct a skywalk from Churchgate to CST, not at the GPO." The designs for the subway are being prepared.

Other skywalks

MMRDA has decided to go ahead with the skywalk at Dadar (W). They are confident of convincing the locals about the congestion they will have to live with during construction and calm their fears about invasion into their privacy.

Ratnakar Gaikwad, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA, said, "We don't want any conflict with the locals and will assure them that this skywalk won't create problems. We don't mind even if it has a width of 10 feet."

They will have three arms from Dadar (W) railway station, connecting Kabutar Khana, N C Kelkar Road and Ranade Road. Contractors have also sent designs for the proposed skywalk from Wadala station to Wadala TT.