Kolkata's Dakshineswar skywalk to undergo restoration work, expected to finish before Puja

• KMDA is repairing and restoring the Dakshineswar Rani Rashmoni skywalk, which had extensive corrosion and leakage due to prolonged exposure to rainwater
• The project includes replacing corroded bearings, placing new tiles, repairing the pathway below the skywalk, and anti-corrosive painting on the structure, at a cost of Rs 2.8 crore
• KMDA officials expect the project to be completed before the puja this year and have also undertaken short-term repair work on the Chingrighata flyover

The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has undertaken the repair and restoration of the Dakshineswar Rani Rashmoni skywalk, which had suffered extensive corrosion and leakage due to prolonged exposure to rainwater.

The project includes replacing corroded bearings, repairing the pathway below the skywalk, and placing new tiles, among other things, at an estimated cost of Rs 2.8 crore. The KMDA has already selected an agency and issued a work order, and officials expect the project to be completed before the puja this year.

The Dakshineswar skywalk, which spans 340m and is 10.5m wide, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in November 2018 and cost Rs 60 crore to build. It has 14 escalators and four elevators, providing a direct connection between the railway station and the main gate of the Dakshineswar temple. However, due to its prolonged exposure to rainwater, several of the nuts and bolts on the iron joints of the skywalk have corroded, necessitating their replacement. Additionally, the skywalk's iron structure will be painted with anti-corrosive paint once the corroded nuts and bolts are replaced.

The KMDA has also undertaken short-term repair work on the Chingrighata flyover and plans to excavate the trial pits of Aurobindo Setu in the future.