Sion-Panvel highway to get 10 new foot over-bridges

Taking steps to ensure safety of pedestrians, the Public Works Department (PWD) has decided to construct 10 foot over-bridges (FOBs) on the busy Sion-Panvel highway.

Standing by the wayside: Officials say the bridges are necessary, because heavy traffic on the highway makes it difficult for pedestrians to cross the road. File pic

The pedestrian bridges are part of the ongoing R1,220-crore road expansion project at the 23-km highway, which is being widened from six lanes to 12.

The project represents a major victory for pedestrian advocates who have long pressed the authorities to do more to ensure pedestrian safety on this arterial highway that has seen several people getting killed while crossing the road in recent years.

The PWD will construct the 10 bridges between Chembur and Panvel.

The proposal has received the necessary clearances, except at two locations - Mankhurd and Turbhe - which are awaiting permission from the railway authorities, as the FOBs will be constructed close to railway property.

"The proposal for these two locations has been dispatched to the railway authorities. There are no other obstacles for this project, and we expect construction to commence soon," said Ramesh Agawane, executive engineer, PWD.

Once the railway authorities grant approval, work will begin and is expected to conclude by 2015.

Crossing woes: One of the FOBs will be built opposite Datta Mandir in Sanpada

"Commuter safety is a priority and hence we have taken steps to ensure it. There is an urgent need to construct FOBs at various places on this highway because the density of motor vehicles is high during peak hours, making it difficult for pedestrians to cut through. With the FOB, accidents would decrease and people's lives would be saved," added Agawane.

Voices

Crossing the road at Datta Mandir on the Sion-Panvel Highway is a nightmare. Moreover, the road-widening project adds to the traffic congestion. The decision to construct a FOB is good and will benefit the residents
- Lata Patil, resident of Sanpada

The heavy vehicles zip through at high speeds on this stretch and at times we have to wait for a long time to get to the other side. The construction of the FOB will save us valuable time and is
much needed
- Sneha Salve, resident of Sanpada