The busy junction at Sastri Road would soon have a skywalk to ease the pedestrian rush, Minister for Transport Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said here on Monday. He was speaking at a meeting which was called to discuss the proposal for a skywalk. The structure would be the first of its kind in the State, the Minister said.
The junction, which is just 100 metres away from the other major junction, the Baker Junction, has five major thoroughfares joining the spot. Studies by National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) have shown that on an average, 40,000 vehicles and 11,000 pedestrians use the junction every day. “According to studies, about 6,000 to 8,000 pedestrians cross the junction during peak hours,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.
“The proposed skywalk will have two elevators and volunteers will be deputed to control the rush and help people use the elevators. The pathway will also be able to display LED advertisements, and the revenue thus generated will be used for the maintenance of the skywalk,” the Minister said.
“The Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala will be entrusted with the construction work,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said. The survey would commence soon, he added.
A committee with the State Transport Commissioner as chairman and the District Collector as convener has been formed to oversee the construction.