Skywalks? No, most citizens prefer streets

Erratic planning did harm
I stay in Kurla and we have been successful in halting the skywalk construction over here for now, because protest by locals made an impact. Skywalks are unsafe during night time and certainly not the solution to Mumbai’s infrastructure issues. They have created them at places where pedestrian movement is not much.
Case study: Regarding the Kanjurmarg skywalk, there is absolutely no pedestrian movement during daytime, hence the rationale behind constructing one remains a mystery. It seems like those projects which have been initiated to fill an individual’s coffers.
Suggestions:  Skywalks should have escalators.      
Jitendra Gupta, member of Citizens’ Transport Committee

It’s just a matter of habit
Assuming that making skywalks is a waste of money seems slightly presumptuous. People will take time to accept anything new that comes their way. The same scenario was witnessed when subways were constructed. But, eventually, it has become quite popular. Soon people will realise the need for skywalks, which are a must to ensure safety of pedestrians. The passage of vehicles as well as pedestrians on the same road becomes difficult owing to space constraints. Moreover, skywalks are not the ideal choice of senior citizens owing to the climbing required. Authorities can also seek help from volunteers who could encourage people to use the skywalk.               
Krishnaraj Rao, pedestrian rights activist

Need shorter links with better amenities
Everyday I travel to my workplace at BKC. But I don’t use the Bandra skywalk; because it’s easier to reach office by road since there is transport available from the station. There is no need to walk all the way. Also, when most people are in a hurry to reach their destinations, they prefer to take an autorickshaw since it’s fast. However, with few improvements, the authorities can draw people to use skywalks. For instance, during summer, water coolers can be installed there. Authorities should keep the length of the skywalk in mind, since it is an important factor. We need shorter skywalks and foot-overbridges.    
Apurva Goel, Malad

Addicts, beggars deter women commuters
I agree with the survey that most people are not using skywalks in the city. It may be because it hasn’t become a habit for most. For senior citizens, they are extremely cumbersome, since they have to climb stairways. Other travellers with heavy luggage, find it difficult to trudge long distances. I really feel there is a need to install an escalator for skywalks, since people have to walk for a long distance. Moreover there is a need to install clean drinking water fountains on the route. Since fewer people are using them, drug addicts and beggars have settled there at places, this discourages women.    
Pournima Surve, Nerul

No practical planning has gone into construction
There have been so many skywalks planned across the city, but it’s indeed strange that not many have been widely utilised. MMRDA seems to have ignored a lot of technical and behavioural patterns of commuters, who are expected to use them. To some extent it’s the commuter apathy that is responsible for the skywalks being underutilised. I think that the Bandra skywalk is quite useful for many travelling to BKC everyday. But many still prefer taking autorickshaws to their destination. At the same time, not all the skywalks planned across the city seem practically conceptualised.    
Ganesh Bhonsle, Tardeo

Tackle the clutter during rush hour at Bandra
Indians are accustomed to doing things in their own way. Most don’t adjust to change quickly. Although the Bandra skywalk is useful, it’s extremely narrow. During peak hours there are so many commuters travelling through it, sometimes there is no space to walk. Hence many prefer to walk on the road. But as a concept it is wonderful, since one is isolated from the vehicular movement. A skywalk should be used by people who actually need to travel for work to BKC so the clutter is reduced. Also awareness among people is a must, this will make the journey a hassle-free experience.    
Anuja Shah, Charni Road