Hyderabad’s new skywalk at Mehdipatnam likely to operate from July

The 390-metre long elevated skywalk has five entry and exit points at Rythu Bazar, Defence compound wall (Military Garrison), bus bay area (Mehdipatnam), near Humayun Nagar Police Station, and at Gudimalkapur Junction

Hyderabad: Work on the city’s newest iconic skywalk at the busy Mehdipatnam junction is progressing briskly, and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) plans to complete the work within three months.

The fabrication of steel pedestrian skywalks between Humayun Nagar Police Station and Rythu Bazar and from Gudimalkapur Traffic Junction to Mehdipatnam bus bay has been completed, and lifts are under way. Work on a foot-over-bridge connecting Mehdipatnam Rythu Bazar and the bus bay (Defence area) towards Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, are in progress.

The Ministry of Defence gave its nod in 2024 January to build the skywalk on its 2,500 sq yards of land at Mehdipatnam. As per the schedule, the proposed skywalk was supposed to be completed in March 2023, but the same got delayed.

The 390-metre long elevated skywalk has five entry and exit points at Rythu Bazar, Defence compound wall (Military Garrison), bus bay area (Mehdipatnam), near Humayun Nagar Police Station, and at Gudimalkapur Junction. “The cost of the skywalk project is Rs 38 crore and it is scheduled to be completed by August,” said an HMDA official.

Officials said the skywalk also has 21,061sft of commercial space and coffee shops, gateway corners, and lounge snacks are planned on the proposed skywalk. The swanky skywalk has 13 elevators, two intermediate tunnel walks, and stretches. It is expected to cater a heavy footfall of 30,000 in a day and ensure pedestrian safety in addition to easing traffic congestion at Mehdipatnam junction.

The skywalk is built in glass and steel, and hosts a range of facilities, including six access points at a height of 6.15 metres from the ground, officials said. The 380-metre bridge will be supported by suspension cords and has 13 elevators with a combined capacity of 450 passengers.

An exclusive elevator chair is proposed for the physically challenged. The LED strip lights along the arch, cables, and walkway tunnels will be built to elevate the skywalk area’s beauty. HMDA executive engineer, Hari Krishna, said “the skywalk is likely to be ready and opened to the citizens by July end.”

The Mehdipatnam skywalk will stand as another unique engineering achievement after the city’s first skywalk at Uppal, a senior MA&UD official described.

Skywalk at Mehdipatnam:

• 390 metre long elevated skywalk

• Built with glass and steel

• Designed with six access points at a height of 6.15 meters

• 450 passengers can walk easily through 13 elevators

• Five entry and exit points

• Entry/exit at Rythu Bazar, Defence compound wall (Military Garrison), bus bay area (Mehdipatnam), near Humayun Nagar Police Station, and Gudimalkapur Junction

• Commercial space for coffee shops and snacks lounge