Bandra’s Lucky Hotel junction, always in the throes of traffic, to finally to get an FOB linking Metro Line 2B with the railway station
MMRDA had demolished an existing skywalk to facilitate work on Metro Line 2B. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
Pedestrians navigating the hectic Lucky Hotel junction on their way to Bandra West station have reason to cheer. The MMRDA, which had earlier demolished the existing skywalk to facilitate work on Metro Line 2B, is now set to build a 278-metre-long foot overbridge (FOB). The new FOB will seamlessly connect the Bandra Metro station on Line 2B with Bandra railway station (West) at an estimated cost of Rs 41 crore.
According to the tender document, the MMRDA has invited bids for the construction of a foot overbridge (FOB) connecting the Bandra Metro Station on Metro Line 2B with Bandra Suburban Railway Station. The proposed FOB will be 278 metres long and will link the Metro station to the west side of Bandra railway station at an estimated cost of Rs 41.44 crore. The successful bidder will be required to complete the project within 18 months. Earlier, a skywalk connected Bandra West Railway Station to the Lucky Hotel junction on SV Road. However, it was dismantled a few years ago to facilitate the construction of Metro Line 2B.
Rehbar Khan (Raja), ex-independent municipal councillor of Bandra area (H west ward), said “The MMRDA’s plan for a new FOB at Bandra ignores the failure of its earlier skywalk at the same location. Despite approval for escalators, none were installed, making the 20-metre-high structure unusable for commuters, students and senior citizens. It became a hub for illegal activities and was eventually dismantled, wasting public funds.
Instead of upgrading that skywalk, MMRDA is repeating the same mistake. SV Road has suffered repeated damage to drains, sewer lines and water mains, footpaths are in ruins, traffic congestion is daily, and fatal accidents have occurred. Residents and public representatives were never consulted. This reflects poor planning, lack of accountability and absence of vision from a key planning authority.”
“Now, I have proposed escalators again for pedestrian to connect to elevated metro station and descending on opposite side near Sayba hotel, Junction of SV Road and Bazar Road considering the four schools, college, market and heavy pedestrian flow going to Bandra west Railway station,” added Khan
Daily commuter Ratnakar Sawant said the FOB will be a major relief for commuters. “People will no longer have to descend onto the crowded SV Road near Lucky Hotel and walk to the station. The direct Metro-railway connection will ease movement.”
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