Mehdipatnam pedestrian skywalk likely to open within two months

The 390-metre Mehdipatnam pedestrian skywalk is nearing completion, with HMDA expecting to open it within two months. The facility will have five entry and exit points, 13 elevators and connectivity for more than 50,000 pedestrians.

Hyderabad: The long-awaited pedestrian skywalk at Mehdipatnam is in its final phase of construction, with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) targeting an operational launch within a month or, at most, in two months. This will be the second such facility in the city, after the one set up at Uppal a few years back.

Among others, the installation of lifts, flooring, electrical systems and remaining civil works for the project are nearing completion. The officials hope to complete the work at the earliest, mostly by the month-end and prepare it for pedestrian usage.

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The 390-metre elevated skywalk will provide connectivity for more than 50,000 pedestrians. It will have five entry and exit points at Rythu Bazaar, Defence compound wall at Military Garrison, Mehdipatnam bus bay, near Humayun Nagar Police Station and Gudimalkapur Junction.

Located 6.15 metres above the main asphalt line, the skywalk will feature 13 high-capacity elevators, including a specialised chair lift for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, a senior HMDA official said.

Plans are also in place to have coffee shops, snack lounges and other commercial units on the upper levels. LED strip installations and CCTV surveillance networks are intended to improve aesthetics and safety.

The construction on the skywalk began under the previous BRS government in the year 2021, following former MA&UD Minister KT Rama Rao’s vision of protecting pedestrians from high-speed traffic at a busy Mehdipatnam and have dedicated facility for them to cross the road stretches. Originally scheduled for completion by 2023, the project was delayed by defence land clearance, traffic-related hurdles and a workforce shortage.

HMDA officials pointed out that traffic diversions imposed at Mehdipatnam, one of the city’s busiest junctions, also ended up extending the deadline.