Mumbai: BMC to spend a whopping Rs 75 cr to light up skywalks

Nana Chowk skywalk in Grant Road is among the skywalks that will get proper lighting. File pic

The BMC will spend over Rs 74.25 crore to install proper lighting on skywalks as part of the city beautification project. Former group leaders, however, expressed their concerns about the cost and demanded that the civic body declare which works would be done by spending crores of rupees.

Civic Administrator Iqbal Singh Chahal passed the proposal for the beautification of 13 skywalks in the city at a cost of Rs 74.25 crore. Under this project, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will install LED, flood lights and tube lights on skywalks.

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Former opposition leader Ravi Raja said, "The BMC should be aware of how many pedestrians are using the skywalk. This project failed in the city as no one uses the skywalks. Still, if the BMC wants to spend more money on it, they should declare what exactly they're going to do. As this is taxpayers' money, the authorities should declare the expenses on the website which helps taxpayers know where the money is being spent and they can also keep watch on the project." He also took a jibe at the civic administration and said, "The corporation's term ended last year in March. So, the officials are now behaving like they are not answerable to anyone."

Former group leader of NCP Rakhi Jadhav said, "Firstly, the BMC should conduct a survey to identify how many pedestrians are using the skywalk. Pedestrians prefer to walk on roads, so the BMC should give them proper footpaths." According to the proposal, the contractor will take care of the lighting for a period of three years after the installation. In case of failure on the part of the contractor, a provision enables the BMC to levy a fine of Rs 2,000 every day.

Expense sheet

Rs 20.52 cr
Borivli and Andheri skywalks

Rs 18.05 cr
Goregaon, Santacruz East and West, Vile Parle skywalks

Rs 18.52 cr
Bhandup, Ghatkopar East and West, Sion skywalks

Rs 17.14 cr
Cotton Green, Nana Chowk in Grant Road, Wadala skywalks