Connectivity to get better for commuters, as Western Railway links newly built walkway to foot overbridge at Churchgate-end of Bandra railway station
The new skywalk has escalators at two points and staircases at three locations. Pic/Rajendra B Aklekar
With Western Railway opening access from the 12-metre-wide Churchgate-end foot overbridge (FOB) to the newly built Bandra East skywalk, commuters will soon get direct connectivity from the station to the east side. Unlike the Bellasis Road bridge connector, the WR link here is ready even before the skywalk is formally opened. The BMC-built skywalk crosses the entire station road, spans the highway, and lands at Kala Nagar junction.
Awaits launch
The WR officials confirmed that the access has been opened but is currently barricaded, pending the BMC’s formal commissioning of the skywalk. The deadline for completion was December 31, and while most of the work is complete, a few finishing touches are still pending.
The earlier skywalk had access to the railway bridge too, but it was eventually taken over by hawkers. The BMC now faces the challenge of ensuring that the new skywalk remains free of hawkers once it opens. The new skywalk, with an average width of six metres, has escalators at two points and staircases at three locations to improve commuter access and ease congestion.
Daily struggle
The stretch from Bandra court to the railway station is heavily used, and commuters have long complained about poor road conditions and chaotic pedestrian movement, making daily travel difficult.
Travel relief
The new BMC skywalk at Bandra East traverses the entire station road, crosses the highway, and lands at Kala Nagar junction, allowing commuters to reach offices across the highway without stepping onto the traffic-clogged roads below.
The older skywalk, built by the MMRDA in 2008 and a first of its kind in the city, was shut in 2019 and dismantled in 2021. As a replacement, the BMC had initially planned a 450-metre-long, four-metre-wide skywalk to Bandra court. Following demands from activists and residents, it was extended till MHADA, increasing the total length to 680 metres.
People Speak
Farzana Shaikh, college student
The biggest relief once it opens is avoiding traffic at Kala Nagar. It is extremely chaotic with vehicles and pedestrians. We are waiting for the skywalk to open
Suresh Iyer, bank employee
Bandra station is always overcrowded. Direct access from the FOB to the skywalk will ease pressure, especially during peak hours. WR should also link other bridges to this skywalk for seamless movement
Prakash More, delivery executive
This was long overdue. For daily commuters, small infrastructure changes make a big difference. I walk this stretch twice a day. The skywalk means no waiting in traffic and no hassle
December 31, 2025
The original deadline set for the completion of project
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