Need To Make Available Benefits Of Modern Technology To Commuters: Bombay HC Asks BMC To Consider Installing Elevators On Sky-Walk

The Bombay High Court has asked the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai to consider installing elevators and escalators at both the ends of the sky-walk, so that commuting on sky-walk becomes easier especially for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.

The bench of Justice G. S. Kulkarni and Justice R. N. Laddha emphasized that the benefits of modern technology needs to be made available to the commuters, to make their commuting life in Mumbai more easier.

“…benefits of modern technology needs to be made available to the commuters, to make their commuting life in Mumbai more easier and comfortable. Further the MCGM should also consider having elevators at both the ends of the sky-walk, so that commuting on sky-walk becomes easier for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.”, the Court said.

The Court was dealing with a plea raising the issue of non-availability of foot-over-bridge connecting Bandra Railway Station, on the Bandra East side towards MHADA end, leading to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (for short, “BKC”).

The petitioner contended that there is only one pavement which is being used by the commuters which is always crowded, resulting in the commuters suffering mishaps and accidents.

On March 20, 2023, the Court had passed a detailed order observing that the safety of the commuters using footpath/pavement is paramount, as any mishap/bodily injury or death, occurring due to non-availability of safe footpath/pavement/walk-way would amount to breach of the fundamental rights.

The MCGM’s affidavit enlisted the steps proposed to reinstall / reconstruct the sky-walk by issuing fresh tenders within two months.

The Court observed that the restoration / reconstruction of the sky-walk needs to be of a high standard and a work of long durability, so that the facility would remain to be a permanent facility.

The Court asked MCGM to consider as to whether a part of the sky-walk could be a mechanized walkway, with all safety mechanisms so that it becomes useful to the senior citizens, as also for persons with disabilities.

The petitioner also pointed out another aspect regarding an immediate requirement of a pavement which according to him, would be of about 200 sq. mtrs. from Bandra (East) Railway Station to HDIL. To that, Karan Bhosale, counsel for the MCGM, stated if such a concern is brought to the notice of the MCGM by a way of representation, the same would be given immediate attention.

“We appreciate the stand taken by the MCGM. We permit Mr. Nair to make a representation within a period of two days from today and copy of the same be also furnished to Mr. Bhosale, for further appropriate steps to be taken by the MCGM”, concluded the Court.

Cause Title- K. P. Purushothaman Nair v. Municipal Corporation of Gr. Mumbai

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