GMDA seeks public opinion on proposed skywalk at Shankar Chowk

The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has invited public feedback on a proposal to construct a skywalk opposite Cyber City

The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has invited public feedback on a proposal to construct a skywalk opposite Cyber City, which will connect the HSIIDC complex at Shankar Chowk with Cyber Park in Udyog Vihar.

A 350-metre-long, 5-metre-wide skywalk is proposed to connect the HSIIDC complex with Cyber Park in Udyog Vihar. (HT File Photo)

GMDA officials said they will give a nod to the plan put forth by DLF depending on the public response. The authority has placed the documents related to the project on its website www.gmda.gov, asking people to send in their opinions by August 27.

Currently, there is no infrastructure, such as a pedestrian bridge, footpath, pelican light, speed breaker or zebra crossing, to help pedestrians cross or walk along the dimly lit service lane of the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, on which vehicles move at a high speed.

“DLF had submitted a proposal for the project to us last month. As per section 19 of the GMDA Act, any private infrastructure construction project for the public has to be put before the public for consideration and feedback. Based on the response, GMDA will take a call on the proposal,” said V Umashankar, CEO, GMDA.

According to officials, the proposed skywalk would be 350 metres long, 5 metres wide and adorned with plants and creepers.

Its access points — next to the Cyber Park and the HSIIDC complex — will be located on land that currently belongs to HSIIDC and GMDA. If approved, DLF will carry out the construction of the structure.

“We had sought approval from the GMDA for the construction of skywalk. The GMDA has subsequently, issued a public notice regarding the skywalk and its period ends on August 27. Based on the public feedback, we will accordingly execute the next course of action,” a spokesperson for DLF said.

The skywalk will be connected to a foot overbridge proposed by IL&FS rapid metro to connect Cyber City Rapid Metro station to Udyog Vihar, allowing pedestrians to avoid fast-moving traffic on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway at Shankar Chowk and cross the junction safely, and also include a parking bay that will be located alongside it.

A spokesperson for the Rapid Metro said that the “proposal (for the FOB) is awaiting clearance from authorities concerned.”

According to the document submitted by DLF, the project is expected to cost Rs12.25 crore. If approved, work on the skywalk may commence as early as August 30, with a deadline of February 15, 2019, for completing the entire structure and opening it.

During the peak hours, an estimated 4,420 people are expected to use the skywalk. According to guidelines issued by the Indian Road Congress, a 5-metre wide skywalk will be equipped to handle 4,500 people.

Officials also said that work on the project will not affect traffic flow at Shankar Chowk, as the bulk of the work would be done on a vacant plot adjacent to the service lane.

Once completed, the skywalk will particularly benefit those working in the corporate offices in the area, for whom the Metro will become an effective option for travelling to and from work.