Stations to be linked with Singapore-style skywalks, walkalators
To facilitate public transport users and spruce up last-mile connectivity for smooth transition in the Capital, Delhi lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung on Thursday approved construction of several skywalks and foot overbridges (FoBs) near proposed Metro stations. The aim is to
provide options to select different modes will make travel cheaper, faster and more comfortable in the city. As per the plan approved by Jung, five skywalks will be constructed at Trilokpuri, Vinod Nagar West, Dhaula Kuan, Okhla Phase III and Moti Bagh.
The lieutenant Governor on Thursday approved the plans of inter-modal transport in and around one existing and 10 upcoming Metro stations that include four skywalks and walkways, which will help in decongestion and regulation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. As per the chalked out plan, Trilokpuri Metro station will have a network of skywalks and arcades at the first floor level to connect the new development in the area directly with the Metro station concourse. In Mayur Vihar, there will be a roundabout under the flyover to allow easy movement of traffic, without congesting the existing carriageway while in Vinod Nagar East, the bus terminal is being integrated with the upcoming Metro station and access roads.
Similarly a system of skywalks to allow for seamless connection across NH24 and to allow for direct access to Mandawali village will be facilitated near Vinod Nagar West Metro station. The new Dhaula Kuan station will be linked to the Airport Metro Express line and a network of skywalks with travelators will be installed to allow seamless access to roads in the vicinity.
In Moti Bagh, the skywalk will integrate with the station entry concourse and a subway shall be built on site, whereas in Rohini, the road behind the station shall be used for dropping off and for autos, rickshaws and other vehicles. In Shakarpur, the foot overbridge shall be extended to the concourse of the station and exit points will be provided at the rear of the station to unobstruct the carriageway. In Badli Mor, the drop off will be provided under the flyover and will provide for intermodal transport at the ground level, which will provide for greater connectivity between Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, industrial areas and Badli village. Further, a bypass road connection to decongest the main carriageway shall be provided through the Astha Kunj Park in Okhla Phase III. In Kalkaji, a network of skywalks to integrate Phase II and Phase III Metro stations from across Ring Road and Nehru place together with the creation of a large public space.
“The objective is seamless transition and interchanges between different modes to complete travel trip, availability of options to select different modes to make travel cheaper, faster and more comfortable. Further, it also aims at effective organisation and spatial allocation of various para-transit/IPT modes such that convenience to public transport users is maximised, and efficiency of all modes is improved. The inter-modal transport facility will also improve walkability with a high quality public realm that is comfortable and safe for all to use,” said lG House officials. Jung has reviewed the presentation by Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC) which envisages integration of inter-modal transport. The DMRC said that the work will be completed by June next year. The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman (DDA), Secretary (PWD), and representatives from Departments of Transport, UTTIPEC, DMRC, Traffic and other stakeholders of the Delhi Government.