Raipur’s long-stalled Skywalk project set to resume amid quality, design directives as PWD sanctions Rs 37.75 crore

RAIPUR: The construction of the “controversial” skywalk in Raipur is set to resume, as the Public Works Department (PWD) has sanctioned funds for the long-stalled project. The PWD has initiated the tender process to complete the structure, which has remained unfinished for nearly eight years. An amount of Rs 37.75 crore has been approved for the project—20.17% higher than the previously estimated cost.The approximately 1.5 km long skywalk will have escalators at 12 points for ascent and descent, along with staircases. Additionally, separate staircases will be constructed at two locations.According to an order issued by the PWD on Thursday, the work has been assigned to a Raipur-based construction company. The project was left incomplete during the previous government's tenure and has been a subject of dispute and political contention for a long time.The state government has now announced the revival of the project with the allocation of funds.The department has also issued instructions to pay special attention to the quality of work, design, and environmental standards this time. Along with the prompt commencement of work under administrative approval, it has also been directed to ensure timely completion.This long-awaited skywalk project was initiated in 2017. The objective was to ease pedestrian traffic congestion in busy areas such as the railway station, Shastri Chowk, and Jai Stambh Chowk, and to give the city a modern look. However, the project stalled due to various technical and administrative hurdles during the construction phase.Patients at Ambedkar Hospital will be able to reach DKS Hospital without getting stuck in traffic via the skywalk. For this, a lift will be installed at the connecting point between the two hospitals. A section of the skywalk descends into the DKS Hospital premises.A rotary will be constructed on the Shastri Chowk side of the skywalk, allowing people to ascend and descend at any point around the entire square. Girder work has been completed in several sections, and RCC slabs will be laid over the flooring. Tiles will be placed on the slabs, and steel railings will be installed on both sides.Polycarbonate sheets will be installed on the upper part to provide protection from rain and sun. Commuters to nearby government offices will get relief. A survey conducted seven years ago indicated that an average of over 40,000 people travel on foot around Shastri Chowk daily.The skywalk structure is ready from the multi-level parking at Jaistambh Chowk to Shastri Chowk and the gate of Ambedkar Hospital. An inspection by PWD officials revealed that ACP sheets, aluminum frames, and divider railings have been stolen from several places on the bridge.The steel and nut bolts installed in the bridge are intact. The work on welding, painting, flooring, hood, and flooring fixing is incomplete. Due to being in the open, several parts have also rusted due to rain and heat.Conceived during the 2016–17 tenure of the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Raman Singh, the project aimed to alleviate pedestrian congestion at key intersections like Shastri Chowk and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Hospital Chowk. A pedestrian survey conducted in October 2016 indicated that 14,000 pedestrians passed through Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Hospital Chowk and 27,000 through Shastri Chowk daily, with numbers increasing to 25,095 and 35,920 respectively by May 2019 .The skywalk was designed as a 1.5-kilometer elevated pedestrian corridor, featuring 12 access points equipped with escalators and staircases, and additional standalone stairways at two locations. Initially budgeted at Rs 35 crore, the project's cost escalated to approximately Rs 77 crore due to delays and modifications.Construction commenced in 2017, with over 70% completed by 2019. However, the project was halted by the incoming Congress government, citing concerns over its utility, structural integrity, and allegations of procedural irregularities. Subsequent investigations by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) were initiated to examine these issues.In July 2024, the Vishnu Deo Sai-led BJP government decided to resume and complete the skywalk construction, adhering to the original design. The project is now expected to be completed.