This tale repeats itself at most skywalks across the city. Step onto one today to see what we mean. Advertising, supposedly a means to pay for maintenance, is non-existent at most places. There are few indications that the number of people using them justifies the cost of putting them up, most of them are responsible for ruining the crowded roads on which they stand and some, like the pink one at Santacruz station, are an embarrassment.

What, then, justifies the construction of a 510-metre long walkway supported by stress rods suspended from a central tower, four escalators and fancy LED lights? According to the chief engineer of the MSRDC, this will become a hot spot for Mumbaikars and tourists. He says the MSRDC is always criticised for trying to do what Singapore and Shanghai have done. In other words, who cares about poor planning and a lack of basic amenities when we can now have a skywalk with some LED lights?