Hyderabad housing complexes can now have skywalk links to Metro stations; HMRL counts benefits

Source: X/@hmrgov

Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) has announced that residential properties (apartment complexes) can now have skywalk links to Metro stations in addition to malls and commercial organisations. In an effort to increase pedestrian safety and lessen traffic in the city, it also intends to increase the number of skywalks in its network.

HMRL managing director NVS Reddy and HMDA metropolitan commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed made a decision to this effect during a thorough mobility planning meeting, which was formally announced on Monday. They asserted that the program was a component of a larger plan to improve public transit and lower the number of private vehicles in the city. This move also aligns with the state government's focus on lowering air pollution and road congestion.

“We are actively encouraging the construction of skywalks from Metro stations to facilitate safer and more convenient pedestrian movement. Several real estate companies have already shown keen interest in this initiative," the Metro officials said.

Currently, skywalks are found in several places throughout the city. Raheja created a skywalk connecting Raidurg Metro station to Mindspace, which has 11 towers housing multinational corporations, while Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the metro developer, built skywalks connecting Panjagutta, Hi-Tec City, and Irrum Manzil Metro stations to their respective malls.

Additionally, skywalks have been built to connect Jubilee Bus Station and Parade Ground Metro stations, eliminating the need for passengers to cross busy roads.

Several skywalk projects are currently under construction, which include a skywalk connecting Dr Ambedkar Balanagar Metro Station with Phoenix/Landmark Mall. Another skywalk is being constructed to connect LB Nagar Metro Station with the Vasavi Anandanilayam complex, which comprises 12 towers, each with 33 floors.

HMRL has also revealed plans to extend the skywalk network to additional stations, including Nagole, Uppal, Durgam Cheruvu, and Kukatpally.