The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation has begun work on the plans for the six skywalks to come up near the railway stations of Goregaon, Vile Parle, Vasai Road, Lower Parel, Kandivli and Masjid.

Expected to ease traffic congestion near railway stations by taking pedestrians off the roads, the six skywalks will cost Rs 85.97 crore and will be completed within seven months from the date of commencement of work, said a senior official of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation.

Speaking on condition of anonymity but refusing to give any reason for it, the official said bids had been invited for the construction work and the contract would be finalised by September.

The six proposed skywalks will cost between Rs 9 and Rs 20 crore each.

"We are building these skywalks as they will help in tackling the severe congestion problem outside railway stations during peak hours," Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority Joint Project Director Dilip Kawathkar said. "These skywalks will give commuters easy access from stations to the adjoining roads."

Of the 50 skywalks across the city planned by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, 17 are to be constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation.

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