Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to introduce an entry fee for the newly constructed wooden walkway at Malabar Hill to cover maintenance costs and implement an automated crowd control system, said reports.
The 427-meter-long walkway, Mumbai’s first jungle walkway, is now complete and expected to open soon. It stretches from the Malabar Hill forest to the rock formations near Kamala Nehru Park in South Mumbai. Constructed with eco-friendly materials, the walkway’s design draws inspiration from Singapore’s Forest Walk.
Features Of The Elevated Walkway
The elevated structure, spanning 470 meters in length and 2.4 meters in width, features a wooden deck, railings and vertical supports, with full illumination planned. It will also include a glass-bottom viewing deck, a bird-watching area, and provide a scenic view of Girgaon Chowpatty.
The BMC has invested around Rs 25 crore in this project, which was tendered in 2021 and was initially slated to open in mid-January. Officials hope the walkway will be largely maintenance-free, with ticket sales helping to offset any upkeep expenses. They assured that the ticket price would remain affordable for all visitors.
A senior BMC official told Mid-Day that the civic body is prioritising self-sustaining projects that generate revenue for their maintenance. “While we are cutting administrative expenses, we are also handling multiple projects simultaneously,” the official said.
To manage visitor numbers, the walkway will have an automated crowd control system, as it can accommodate up to 417 people at a time. The system aims to regulate footfall efficiently and maintain a safe and pleasant experience for visitors.
Civic activist Anil Galgali supported the introduction of a fee, stating that it is a practical approach to recovering maintenance costs, according to the report. However, he stressed that the pricing should remain accessible to the general public.
The walkway’s unique features and eco-friendly design are expected to make it a popular attraction in Mumbai, offering residents and tourists a new way to experience the city’s natural beauty.
