Ruby crossing to get circular skywalk soon

A circular pedestrian walkway, somewhat similar to the circular hanging restaurant at the Biswa Banga Gate, but at a lower height, has been proposed at the Ruby crossing on the EM bypass. The cost of the project is set at 50 million crowns.

The 75 meter radius circular track to be built by KMDA will essentially be a foot bridge, it will be about 20 feet above the ground but just below the viaduct on the New Garia-Airport Metro route.

The Skywalk will have access points at all four corners. In addition to the stairs, there will be three elevators and eight escalators, two on each corner, one going up and one going down. There are also plans to connect the footpath to Hemanta Mukherjee Station to the north of the crossing.

Currently, crossing from one sidewalk along the bypass to the other sidewalk is extremely difficult, as it involves crossing three lanes to reach the median and then three more lanes to reach the opposite sidewalk.

Officials said the circular skywalk will help manage pedestrian traffic at the crossing and reduce the likelihood of accidents. "The plan is for smooth movement of pedestrians in all directions for the convenience of pedestrians," said a KMDA official.
However, some transportation planners have questioned the need for an elaborate structure right next to a subway station that already has a transition point from one sidewalk to another.

Underground utility networks must be relocated before construction work begins on the structure. Sources said there are big KMC water pipes that need to be shifted before the piers for the skywalk can be constructed.

Authorities are planning to float tenders soon for the construction of the skywalk through a revenue generation model, under which the selected agency will finance the structure and maintain it for 20 to 30 years, using advertising rights to generate revenue.