– Skywalk for Secretariat requires special consideration
– Proposed skywalk for BSMMU has been approved
Dhaka Office: The authorities responsible for the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) plan to construct three skywalks linking three metro stations with key locations to facilitate convenient and direct access for commuters.
The first skywalk will be established at Farmgate station and will connect to the Farmgate footbridge. The second skywalk will be positioned at Shahbagh station, providing a direct link to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
The third skywalk will provide access to the Bangladesh Secretariat from the Secretariat station located in Paltan.
According to DMTCL Managing Director MAN Siddique, both passengers and authorities are looking forward to the construction of skywalks.
However, the skywalk for the Bangladesh Secretariat requires special consideration due to access control, and discussions with the Home Ministry are currently underway to address this matter.
Siddique also said that the proposed skywalk for BSMMU has been approved by the authority and is currently in the design stage.
However, he mentioned the ongoing construction of a skywalk connecting Shahbagh station to the foot-over bridge towards the national museum and a ramp leading to BIRDEM Hospital, which is near completion.
The elevated and covered pathway known as the metro rail skywalk connects stations to points of interest, such as malls and transport hubs. Positioned above tracks, it provides a weather-protected route that enhances commuter convenience and reduces street traffic congestion.
During the latest meeting of the project implementation committee of MRT Line-6, held on November 27, 2023, a decision was made to construct skywalks that will improve the movement of metro users.
The committee decided to begin a pre-feasibility study promptly in order to extend MRT Line-6 from Uttara to Tongi.
For instance, commuters landing at Farmgate station will have direct access to the Farmgate foot over bridge, allowing them to reach Farmgate directly from the station, while those at Shahbagh station can seamlessly enter BSMMU.
Meanwhile, works on two skywalks are underway at Shahbagh station. One of them connects to BIRDEM Hospital, and the other one connects to the Shahbagh foot-overbridge.
