Pune: Vishrantwadi Chowk’s Skywalk Dismantled To Make Way For Flyover

Vishrantwadi, 3rd June 2024: The dismantling of the skywalk at Mukundrao Ambedkar Chowk in Vishrantwadi has ignited a wave of criticism and raised concerns about the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) project planning and management. Constructed at a cost of Rs 5 crore, the skywalk has been taken down to make way for a new flyover and grade separator, prompting accusations of wastage of taxpayers’ money.

“In the past, the civic body has executed several projects under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) principle. However, it seems the concept has been altered to the build-operate-tear down principle, which reflects poor planning and administration. This is wastage of taxpayers’ money,” said civic activist Shashikant Satote.

The skywalk, erected without public consultation, quickly became a white elephant due to a perpetually malfunctioning elevator, forcing pedestrians to cross the busy road at risk. Its poor planning and maintenance turned it into a mere ornamental structure.

Now, MLA Sunil Tingre is leading efforts to construct a grade separator on Alandi Road and a flyover from Alandi Road to Airport Road. The skywalk, which obstructed this construction, has been dismantled. A portion of the dismantled skywalk will be relocated to the Pratik Nagar corner on Alandi Road. However, senior citizens fear this pedestrian bridge will remain unused even at the new location, and the remaining parts of the skywalk are expected to be scrapped.

In Indira Nagar, a subway and pedestrian bridge constructed at a cost of crores of rupees lie unused. Residents have broken the guardrails on the BRT route to cross the road dangerously, leading to accidents. Despite the investment, citizens continue to risk their lives.

The subway pedestrian walkway at Viman Nagar Chowk has 72 steps, making it challenging for senior citizens and women to use. Residents are questioning the PMC’s planning and the crores of rupees spent on such projects, asking for whom these projects are intended.

The dismantling of the Vishrantwadi skywalk, along with other poorly planned projects, underscores the need for better public consultation and more effective project management to ensure taxpayer money is used efficiently and safely.