New Delhi: There was a lot of hue and cry over the inauguration of ITO Skywalk from past somedays. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the ‘state-of-the-art’ Skywalk today in the Presence of BJP MP, Meenakshi Lekhi, L-G Anil Baijal and no Delhi government minister was present during the inauguration.

Rs 54-crore pedestrian bridge is 570 metres long and will ease the way for users along Mathura Road, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Sikandra Road. The network has seven entry/exit points at different location locations and is expected to be used by around 40,000 walkers every day. The ITO Skywalk project was conceived of in 2003, finalised only in April 2016.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, “The Government is intent on making Delhi a world-class capital and a city that its citizens will be proud of. One of the areas in which Delhiites suffer is the tremendous traffic congestion affecting efficient mobility.”

He further said, “The entire Skywalk has been covered under CCTV surveillance. A police booth has also been constructed under the Skywalk for constant surveillance in the area. Public convenience has been provided at Mathura Road and near Hans Bhawan.”

“MoHUA had sanctioned an amount of Rs. 54.34 cr under UDF to decongest ‘W’ Point & provide easy & safe passage to pedestrians by way of providing Skywalk & FOB near Hans Bhawan,” added Puri.

BJP MP, Meenakshi Lekhi said, “Skywalk at ITO was conceptualised, planned and funded by the housing and urban affairs ministry. I’m surprised at the despair being expressed in certain quarters at not being invited for the inauguration of ITO Skywalk.”

L-G Anil Baijal said, “It’s a great day for development & decongestion in the city, the resilient & industrious citizens of Delhi have given themselves the gift of a world-class ultra modern Skywalk at a busy ITO intersection. It is a victory of hard work over fake narrative & claiming credit.”