A new skywalk on Borivli’s MG Road nears completion, but without escalators, who will use it, question locals; the absence of visible provisions for escalators has raised concerns about whether the facility will truly serve its purpose
Accessing the skywalk at MG Road involves climbing several steps, with no visible provisions for escalators, say residents. Pic/SATEJ SHINDE
As the much-resisted skywalk on MG Road in Borivli East approaches completion, it has already sparked mixed reactions among residents and daily commuters. The absence of visible provisions for escalators has raised concerns about whether the facility will truly serve its purpose. Many regular pedestrians who navigate the busy stretch daily, dodging hawkers and vehicular traffic, opine that the absence of escalators would be the biggest discouragement.
“Whom does the skywalk cater to, is my first question as a commuter. As a two way road, it was wide enough for people to walk. There was no need to build a skywalk. If it was for ease of commuting, why is there no provision for escalators?” said Girija O, a resident.
“The authorities should have rather used the space to construct wider footpaths instead. Those walking would have been much happier with that, considering that they can walk safely without having to climb so many stairs,” said Prajyot Padyar, another resident.
Others are concerned that like so many other skywalks, this one too will meet the same fate of turning into a hotspot for anti-social elements. Many fear that without strict monitoring and regular police patrolling, the skywalk could become yet another neglected structure that fails to deliver the safety it promises.
“We just hope that this skywalk does not become another home to drug addicts, drunkards, and homeless people. It is a lot of steps to climb before one can use the bridge, and if the environment is hostile, we’ll have even fewer reasons to do it,” said Shubham Karanje, a resident.
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