Rethinking skywalks as social spaces to tackle traffic, crowd

As Indian cities grapple with rising traffic congestion, shrinking footpaths, and unsafe pedestrian infrastructure, skywalks are increasingly seen as a fix.

- Manoj Sharma

NEW DELHI: These long, elevated walkways, once a rarity, currently span chaotic intersections and crowded roads in cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

As these structures become an increasingly prominent feature of India's urban landscape, a key question arises: should skywalks remain just mobility corridors to cross busy roads—or be re-imagined as public spaces that enrich city life?

The question is pressing because, despite huge investment in building them, many skywalks remain underused. Long detours, poor lighting, inconvenient entry points, lack of escalators, and inadequate maintenance often make them unattractive to pedestrians—raising concerns about their purpose and potential.

"Skywalks, if absolutely necessary, must be seen as more than just elevated walkways. Think of them as verandahs or urban balconies," says Naresh Narasimhan, a Bengaluru-based architect and urban designer.

"They can frame views of heritage structures, serve as platforms for public art, and offer shade and pause points above the chaos. Their design must respond to context—be it an old market street, a government district, or a transit hub. If they feel like alien appendages, people will avoid them. But if they invite interaction, people will take ownership."

Rahul Kadri, a Mumbai-based architect and urban designer known for his biophilic approach to architecture, believes elevated pathways should be seen as public spaces where human connection and experience matter deeply.

Incorporating native greenery through planters, vertical gardens, or shaded canopies can help regulate microclimate, reduce heat, and soften the hard edges of urban infrastructure, says Kadri.