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Devipada Metro station on Line 7 in Borivli East can directly access the new Oberoi SkyCity Mall, thanks to a newly inaugurated foot overbridge (FOB). This structure directly connects the station's concourse level to the second floor of SkyCity Mall. Fully funded by Oberoi Realty under the public-private partnership (PPP) policy introduced in 2020, the FOB is designed to enhance pedestrian convenience while driving footfall to the commercial complex. This development sets a benchmark for integrated urban mobility in Mumbai, with similar initiatives planned for other metro stations.
Devipada Metro station on Line 7 in Borivli East now has a convenient new option to access SkyCity Mall without stepping onto the crowded streets. A dedicated foot overbridge (FOB) has been inaugurated, providing direct connectivity between the concourse level of the Metro station-where ticketing facilities are located-and the mall's second floor.
The newly opened bridge, which aims to enhance pedestrian accessibility while supporting commercial activity, has been fully financed by Oberoi Realty. The project was implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) policy introduced in 2020, which encourages private entities to invest in public infrastructure that promotes integrated urban mobility. Officials noted that similar infrastructure exists in global cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong, where residential complexes, shopping malls, and office buildings are directly linked to metro stations.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has been actively encouraging commercial establishments to propose direct connectivity solutions through foot overbridges or subways as part of the PPP model. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to decongest roads surrounding metro stations and ensure seamless pedestrian movement between transport hubs and commercial centres.
Officials reported a promising response from private developers. Among the upcoming proposals is an FOB connecting Aarey Metro station, also on Line 7, with the Western Express Highway and Oberoi Realty's commercial development which houses Morgan Stanley, among others. Another plan under consideration involves a footbridge linking Goregaon Metro station to Nirlon Commercial Park.
A similar model is also being adopted for Mumbai's Metro Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ), the city's first fully underground metro corridor. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has received multiple proposals from private developers to construct station-linked subways at various locations along this route. These subways, which will be constructed at depths of 8-10 metres with a minimum width of 6 metres, are set to include escalators and elevators to facilitate smooth pedestrian movement. They will also be available for public use during emergencies.
An MMRC official mentioned that this concept draws inspiration from South Korea's metro network, where private subways often connect directly to commercial complexes. Under this arrangement, while MMRC will construct the subways, private developers will bear the entire cost of construction, operations, and maintenance. In instances where multiple developers utilise a shared subway, costs will be divided proportionally. MMRC will also levy a one-time access fee from each developer, with the proceeds being allocated to offset the financing gap in Line 3's infrastructure.
Earlier, MMRDA had approved the construction of direct-access foot overbridges linking new metro stations on Lines 2A and 7 to nearby prominent commercial locations. These include the Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO) and Oberoi Mall, connected to the Goregaon and Aarey Metro stations, respectively.
Similarly, skywalks have been built by L&T at Erramanzil, Punjagutt and Hitec City metro stations in Hyderabad, which connect with adjacent malls. In addition, a skywalk has been built at Raidurgam Metro station to offices in the 11 towers of the Raheja Mindspace Complex. The authorities have started the work on a skywalk from Ambedkar Balanagar Metro station to the nearby Phoenix/Landmark Mall.
The new Devipada Metro station foot overbridge showcases Mumbai's focus on integrated urban transit with pedestrian-friendly, sustainable solutions. By collaborating with private developers, the city aims to reduce traffic, improve connectivity, and boost accessibility to commercial areas.
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