Uppal Skywalk Faces Partial Closure for Corridor Work
HYDERABAD: Pedestrians have benefited from the Uppal Skywalk since it opened to the public, but a section of the facility is now set to be removed temporarily to make way for the construction of an elevated corridor.
Corridor to rise above ring road and Metro line
Officials of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) have begun preparations for the removal of a portion of the skywalk. The elevated corridor will be constructed at a maximum height of 23 metres (75 feet) to cross the Uppal Ring Road and the Metro rail line above it.
To support the structure, large pillars are being built near Uppal Junction. The skywalk has a ground clearance of six metres and a maximum height of 9.25 metres, including its pillars.
Portion of skywalk to be dismantled
The skywalk was designed to provide pedestrian access towards the Warangal National Highway side from Uppal Ring Road. However, the proposed corridor pillars will be built directly beneath it.
Officials plan to remove a 17-metre stretch of the skywalk between Skywalk Pillars SW-23A and SW-24, as it obstructs the corridor pillar construction. A consultancy firm is expected to prepare cost estimates for dismantling and rebuilding the section. Representatives are scheduled to inspect the site on Tuesday.
The skywalk towards the Warangal highway side is likely to remain closed for several months during the construction period.
Civic body may bear reconstruction cost
The cost of dismantling and reconstructing the affected portion of the skywalk is likely to be borne by the Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation.
Skywalk at a glance
- Work started: 2020
- Opened to public: 2023
- Estimated cost: ₹25 crore
- Total length: 660 metres
- Width: 3–4 metres
- Facilities: Eight lifts, four escalators and six stairways
