Planning is right, not the concept
Every bridge in the world is designed for the pedestrian way. A pedestrian path is incorporated within the design. Not much thought is given to the pedestrians or cyclists, not only in Mumbai, but also in other city across India. It’s not the planning where we go wrong but with the concept. Planning is based on the concept and out here the concept is absent. Even the bridges across the world have a separate dedicated lane especially for the pedestrians. For Worli-Bandra link they could have done the same thing. And the pedestrian wouldn’t have caused any problem to the ongoing traffic. But now if they are thinking to have a separate lane for pedestrians, its not possible because the bridge is not designed in that manner and now it would be hazardous to the traffic.
—Vidya Vaidya, honourary secretary general, AK Vaidya nagar resident association
Difficult to manage pedestrian crowd
Idon’t understand why the authority is not allowing people to walk on the sidewalk of the bridge. The reason for the same may be that the distance for walking at stretch is too much and also there is no opening of barricade at any position between Bandra and Worli. Further it maybe due to the security reasons, as monitoring pedestrian crowd at the whole stretch isn’t easy. Pedestrians should be allowed on the Bandra-Worli sea link to look at the beauty of modern architecture and sea view.Awalkway on the bridge already exists, but this is not open for all. Pedestrians should be allowed to view the sea side. While sitting in the car the view is not so clear because of the galvanised iron sheet. They are a part of the architect of the bridge and it comes at the eye level which blocks the view. If authority wants then it is possible to rectify the structure for a clear view. The only change they have to make is to erect the iron sheet vertically that comes at eye level. —Neera Adarkar, architect
It is a public structure, allow everyone to use
I completely agree with the BJP MLA Sardar Tara Singh’s demand of a separate section to be opened for pedestrians. If we don’t have one then we’ll be setting up a bad example. If we take a look at this from an ideological point of view then every man, rich or poor, has the right to move freely in this country. The sea link is a public structure so it should be accessible to all. So, why are we differentiating now? Why is the public space only accessible for the car owners?
Also, if a person wants to walk from Bandra to Worli from a shortest path possible then by not allowing him to use the sea link we are limiting his choice. Authorities should not forget that every person is a tax-payer and all of them have the right to use the public construction made from their money.
People who have travelled on the sea link will agree with me that there is a small path along the road which can be made a footpath. Similar structures, like the Golden Gate, have separate section for the pedestrians, cyclists. So why can’t we also have separate sections? The government is taking away a person’s right by not allowing them to walk on the sea link.
According to me, even two-wheelers and BEST buses should be allowed on the sea link. The restrictions are not in good taste and are against the spirit of the city.
Also what happens when a person’s car breaks down in the middle of the sea link, where is the person going to walk and call for help? Therefore, it is important for any bridge or even a highway to have some marked space for pedestrians. Footpaths are important.
—Krishnaraj Rao, pedestrian rights activist
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