HYDERABAD: Apart from malls and commercial establishments, residential properties (apartment complexes) can now have skywalk link to Metro stations, Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) has announced. It also plans to expand its network of skywalks, aimed at improving pedestrian safety and reducing traffic congestion in the city.
A decision to this effect was taken during a comprehensive mobility planning meeting between HMRL managing director NVS Reddy and HMDA metropolitan commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed and confirmed in an official release on Monday. The initiative, they claimed, was part of a broader strategy to strengthen public transport and reduce private vehicle usage in the city.
“We are actively encouraging the construction of skywalks from Metro stations to facilitate safer and more convenient pedestrian movement,” Metro officials said. “Several real estate companies have already shown keen interest in this initiative,” they added.
Currently, skywalks are present at various locations across the city. While Metro developer Larsen & Toubro (L&T) constructed skywalks connecting Panjagutta, Hi-Tec City, and Irrum Manzil Metro stations to their respective malls, another skywalk was built by Raheja, linking Raidurg Metro station to Mindspace, which houses 11 towers hosting international companies. The initiative has also proven useful at Uppal junction, where HMDA’s circular skywalk improved pedestrian access.
New projects under construction include a skywalk connecting Dr Ambedkar Balanagar Metro station to Phoenix/Landmark Mall and another linking LB Nagar station to the upcoming Vasavi Anandanilayam complex, which would feature 12 towers of 33 floors each.
L&T also revealed that discussions were on with various companies for similar projects at Nagole, (Uppal) Stadium, Durgam Cheruvu, and Kukatpally stations.
