THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With pedestrian fatalities on the rise at East Fort – which is infamous for accidents and pedestrian deaths – the city corporation is gearing up to implement the ambitious skywalk project, which has been long pending because of objections from various quarters.
An image of the proposed skywalk. (Photo: A. V. MUZAFAR)
It is learnt that around 40 pedestrians have died at East Fort while crossing because of lack of pedestrian amenities including a skywalk or subways.
The sophisticated skywalk will be L-shaped to ensure that the structure wouldn’t deface or disrupt the view of the heritage structures, including the Fort.
Recently, the Human Rights Commission had flayed the corporation for not acting despite the growing number of accident deaths happening at East Fort. Mayor V. K. Prasanth said that the project had always been on the top priority list of the corporation.
“We had to get clearance from various agencies as the place is of immense heritage value. This is one of the oldest parts of the city, and hence it took time to finalise the design. The skywalk will connect Gandhi Park, Beemapally bus stop and the Fort,” said the mayor.
"We got the clearance from the heritage committee, Kerala Road Fund Board and PWD very recently. The work will take off by next week.”
PWD minister G. Sudhakaran will lay its foundation.
"The structure is being installed by sponsors and would be completed within six months. There will be lifts for elderly pedestrians,” said the mayor.
