Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s first skywalk project took a major step forward on Tuesday, with Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi laying the foundation stone for the much-awaited facility, which will come up along NH-16 between Palasuni and Rasulgarh.
The Rs 18.42-crore steel-and-glass skywalk, being executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), aims to improve pedestrian safety and ease movement along one of the city’s busiest stretches.
The 450-metre-long and three-metre-wide skywalk will be integrated with the existing foot overbridge at Palasuni and is expected to be completed by March 2027. The project is designed to provide pedestrians with a safe alternative to crossing the highway at ground level, where frequent accidents have been reported.
Sharing details of the project on the social media platform X, Sarangi said that work on Odisha’s first skywalk and three foot overbridges between Palasuni and Rasulgarh had begun under the NHAI at an estimated cost of Rs 18.42 crore.
The project also includes the construction of three new foot overbridges near Rasulgarh and Palasuni Canal, along with six elevators to ensure barrier-free access for commuters. The structure will feature modern steel frameworks and toughened safety glass, giving it a contemporary appearance while enhancing durability.
The skywalk is expected to significantly improve pedestrian movement along the NH-16 corridor by reducing the need for people to cross the busy highway directly. The facility will benefit thousands of commuters travelling between Palasuni and Rasulgarh every day.
