BMC should ensure elevators in skywalks for elderly, disabled: HC swati.deshpa...@timesgroup.com Mumbai : Bombay high court on Monday said considering the large number of commuters who use skywalks, the BMC must endeavour to make available all modern facilities in lighting technology while installing mechanised walkways as well as elevators at both ends of skywalks for the benefit of senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The HC disposed of a petition seeking a skywalk in Bandra (East) and accepted the BMC's submission that restoration work of the skywalk will be undertaken and completed in 15 months. In future, in all skywalks, the BMCmust consider the use of technology to make these more sturdy and beneficial for commuters, ordered the HC bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and R N Laddha. The HC noted that the petition by an HC staff-turned-lawyer K P P Nair, a Bandra resident, had raised an important issued over non-availability of a foot over bridge connecting the Bandra railway station on the eastern side towards the Mhada-end leading to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). There is only one pavement for commuters to walk from Bandra railway station towards BKC. This segment faces a junction which has a flow of heavy traffic as pe-destrians are required to also cross the Western Express Highway. The pavement is always crowded, said Nair. The HC had last month observed that commuter safety is paramount and any mishap occurring due to non-availability of a safe footpath or walkway would amount to a breach of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution to the citizens. The HC noted the Central and Western railways as also the Metro have provided such mechanisms at several railway stations, including escalators. Asking the BMC to consider it too, the HC said, "Benefits of modern technology need to be made available to the commuters, to maketheir commuting life in Mumbai more easier and comfortable. " "We are sure that such aspects as highlighted by us would be considered and borne in mind by the MCGM in consultation with all other authorities, so that not only the proposed skywalk but also all existing skywalks in the city are made ideal, for their best possible utility, so as to achieve the purpose for which they are constructed," said the HC. Advocate Karan Bhosale for the BMC said steps were taken to complete the work of restoration of the skywalk within 15 months of the date of contract. The HC said it was a welcome measure.
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