Dakshineswar: Dakshineswar skywalk, an elevated pathway constructed to link the suburban railway station in Dakshineswar with the Kali temple, was thrown open for the public from Monday evening following its inauguration by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
A brainchild of the Chief Minister, the skywalk has been named after Rani Rashmoni and has come up at an approximate cost of Rs 80 crore.
It is a steel pedestrian bridge 340 metre in length and 10 metre in width which will accommodate around 137 shops and utility rooms.
It has its initiation point at the gate of Dakshineswar railway station and terminates near the main gate of the temple.
The portion of the skywalk structure on Rani Rashmoni Road (270 metre stretch) is supported on steel portal frames and the rest of the portion near the rotary and railway station is a cantilever steel structure stretching over 70 metre. The structure is covered with circular arch-type roofing of polycarbonate sheet. There are several elevators at various points, each having a capacity to carry about 20 people. There are around 14 escalators and 6 stairs including a fire exit.
The skywalk is equipped with a fire fighting mechanism. CCTV cameras have been installed at various points to keep a vigil in and around the elevated corridor. LED tunnel type lights have been installed on the skywalk for better illumination.
One of the main objectives of the project was to decongest the area by segregating the pedestrian and vehicular traffic. It will also provide safety and comfort to the pedestrians.
The state government had faced difficulties to complete the project. Lots of existing and overhead utilities were there, the shifting of which had been a serious challenge for the government. This had also delayed the completion of the project.
The footfall at the temple is likely to go up following the construction of the new pedestrian bridge, expects the Dakshineswar temple trust.