The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced plans to construct a pedestrian bridge linking the South-North section of the Western Expressway with Akurli Metro Station. The initiative aims to address ongoing accessibility challenges faced by passengers using the Dahisar-Gundavali Metro 7 route.
The forthcoming pedestrian bridge, budgeted at INR 40 crore, is part of MMRDA’s broader strategy to enhance urban transit connectivity. Recently, MMRDA has issued tenders for the construction of this crucial infrastructure, reflecting the project’s prominence in alleviating the current transit difficulties experienced by passengers.
Metro 7, which spans 16.5 kilometres and comprises 13 stations, became fully operational in January 2023 after a partial launch in April 2022. Despite its operational success, commuters have encountered significant hurdles due to the lack of direct pedestrian access between the Western Expressway and the Akurli Metro Station. Currently, passengers are forced to navigate a cumbersome detour to reach the metro station from the Western Expressway. The proposed pedestrian bridge is expected to streamline access for thousands of daily passengers, reducing travel time and enhancing overall safety. The bridge will serve as a critical link, facilitating smoother and more direct pedestrian movement across the busy expressway.
MMRDA’s broader initiative includes the construction of a total of 14 pedestrian bridges along the route, with an estimated collective investment of INR 210 crore. This phased project underscores the authority’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure and transit accessibility. The tender released for the Western Expressway bridge specifies a construction budget of INR 40,59,43,703 and anticipates an 18-month timeline for completion. Once operational, the bridge is poised to provide substantial relief to metro passengers, addressing current access issues and supporting the efficient movement of commuters in the growing urban landscape of Mumbai.
