Though the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) spent Rs 900 crore on the construction of 36 skywalks—including 24 in the island city and suburbs—to help pedestrians steer clear of vehicular traffic, citizens tend to shun these elevated walkways, which have been reduced to havens for hawkers, beggars and drug addicts. Activists have demanded that the authorities audit the use of skywalks, most of which are poorly maintained and lack escalators, stating that they no longer serve their purpose. mid-day recently assessed the condition of several skywalks, and the picture was grim.

The elevated walkway at Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Vikhroli West on December 1. Pics/Satej Shinde