Mumbai’s public transport network is set to be strengthened with the development of the city’s first elevated skywalk fitted with travelators. The facility is being constructed at Mahalaxmi to connect the underground Metro Line 3 station with the Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk Monorail terminal.
A distance of approximately 700 metres currently separates the two stations. Through the proposed skywalk, the time and physical effort required for passengers to move between the Metro and monorail systems are expected to be reduced. A quicker and more accessible interchange is being created as part of the city’s wider multimodal transport strategy.
Moving walkways similar to those installed at airports are being incorporated into the elevated structure. Bidirectional travelators are being planned so that passengers can either continue walking or remain stationary while being transported. Greater convenience is expected to be provided to senior citizens, passengers carrying heavy bags and people with mobility difficulties. The project is expected to be recognised as Mumbai’s first elevated public travelator facility outside an airport. Although escalators are commonly installed at railway and Metro stations, the proposed system will be designed for horizontal passenger movement across a longer distance.
Future integration with Mahalaxmi suburban railway station is also being considered. If the proposed connection is completed, a three-way interchange between the suburban railway, Metro Line 3 and the Mumbai Monorail will be created. Travel across different transport systems could consequently be made easier without commuters being required to navigate congested roads at ground level. Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk station is positioned at the southern end of the nearly 20-km Mumbai Monorail corridor connecting Chembur with South Mumbai. Monorail services, however, have remained suspended since September 2025 after repeated technical problems were reported.
Before services are restored, the system is being upgraded with Communications-Based Train Control technology. Through the installation of the new signalling system, operational reliability and train movement are expected to be improved. The Mahalaxmi skywalk is therefore being developed alongside efforts to prepare the monorail corridor for the resumption of passenger services. The interchange project is also being viewed as part of a broader response to increasing passenger numbers and growing pressure on Mumbai’s suburban railway network. Seamless links between railway, Metro and monorail stations are being prioritised so that public transport can be used more efficiently.
Several similar integration projects are being undertaken by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority across the expanding Metro network. At Chembur, the upcoming station on Metro Line 2B is being planned with direct access to the nearby monorail station. Once completed, the Mahalaxmi travelator skywalk is expected to become a significant part of Mumbai’s transport infrastructure. Faster transfers, improved accessibility and better coordination between different modes of travel are expected to be provided through the project. A more connected interchange system is also likely to be created for thousands of commuters travelling through Mahalaxmi and South Mumbai.
Share
Tweet
