Mumbai civic body floats tender for roof installation over Santacruz skywalk

The Santacruz skywalk, which connects the Western Express Highway to the junction of St Anthony’s Church. FILE PICS/SHADAB KHAN

Residents of Santacruz East have finally now breathed a sigh of relief as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated a tender regarding the installation of a roof over the skywalk from the Western Express Highway to the junction of St Anthony's Church, Vakola, along Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Road.

Locals, who have been in contact with the authorities over the past few months in connection with the issue, expect the work to start in October. They said the piece of infrastructure was proving useless during the summer and monsoon months, as pedestrians using it were exposed to the heat and rain.

mid-day contacted the bridges department of the BMC, which is in charge of the installation of the roof, but did not receive a reply by press time.

Local Speak

Ivan Pais, long-time resident
‘When I spoke to officials from the bridges department, they told me that the bidding process, appointment of contractor, and approval from civic committees will require time, so I hope the work starts before next year'

Maxim Fernandes, member, St Anthony's Street Welfare Association
‘It feels like our voices have finally been heard. The lack of a roof has made the skywalk more useless for pedestrians. Once the roof is installed, and proper security measures are taken, I hope we won't have issues with hawkers or the heat and rain'

Tender details

Opening date of the tender - May 29
Closing date - June 18
Tender amount - R3,60,54,364
Contract period - 9 months, excluding monsoon months

1.2 km
Approx. length of the skywalk