BMC Proposes ₹4.16 Crore Escalator Replacement at Grant Road Skywalk
Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed a ₹4.16 crore plan to replace two non-functional escalators at the Grant Road skywalk near Nana Chowk.
The escalators, which connect the skywalk to Grant Road railway station’s western side, have reportedly remained out of service for nearly three years. Their prolonged closure has forced commuters to use staircases, creating a particular challenge for senior citizens, schoolchildren and persons with disabilities.
Under the proposal, the existing units would be replaced with new escalators measuring approximately 8.7 metres and 5.7 metres in height. One escalator is located on the Gamdevi side, while the other serves the Nana Chowk side of the skywalk.
The proposed scope also includes repairs to damaged handrails, railings and collapsible gates. Polycarbonate overhead sheds are planned to help protect the equipment from rain and direct sunlight, an important consideration for outdoor escalator installations in Mumbai’s weather conditions.
BMC has proposed awarding the work to the lowest bidder, M/s Callisto Global Pvt Ltd. The proposed contract includes a one-year warranty followed by two years of comprehensive maintenance, intended to support continued operation and avoid another long period of breakdown.
The Grant Road skywalk is an important pedestrian route for commuters moving between Grant Road station, Nana Chowk and Gamdevi. If approved and completed, the replacement is expected to improve accessibility and ease movement for daily railway passengers using the link.
The proposal also highlights the need for lifecycle maintenance planning in public mobility infrastructure. For escalators installed in high-footfall outdoor environments, equipment replacement must be supported by regular servicing, weather protection and clear accountability for uptime.
Source: The Times of India