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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 24 (IANS) Kerala’s efforts to reclaim pedestrian spaces and promote sustainable urban mobility got national recognition with the Thrissur Skywalk project receiving a special mention award at the 18th Urban Mobility India Awards in Gurugram, Haryana.
Implemented under the Amrit Kerala Mission, this initiative has emerged as a model for pedestrian-first urban planning and is now inspiring similar interventions across the state.
Located at one of the most congested junctions in Thrissur, the skywalk was conceived to address the long-standing issues of pedestrian safety and traffic chaos.
The elevated walkway provides a safe, uninterrupted link to key points around the busy intersection, reducing conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.
Since its launch, daily commuters have rapidly adopted the facility citing improved safety, accessibility and comfort.
Officials say the skywalk has not only made walking safer but also helped reduce ground level congestion by diverting foot traffic away from busy roads.
As a result, there has been significant improvement in traffic flow and road discipline at the junction.
AMRUT Kerala team received the Special Mention Award in the Best City in the Non-Motorized Transport System category for Thrissur Skywalk.
Highlighting the significance of the achievement, Mission Director Suraj Shaji said, “This award is a testament to the quality of the urban rejuvenation work. Thrissur will benefit from a state-of-the-art facility that reduces road mortality while improving comfort for pedestrians. Built with elements like solar power, the skywalk is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and stands as an example of sustainable urban infrastructure.”
Beyond its immediate utility, the feature has sparked broader conversations about pedestrians’ rights, safe mobility infrastructure, and non-motorized transportation planning.
Urban departments within and outside Kerala have expressed interest in replicating the Thrissur model under AMRUT.
As cities grapple with increasing urbanization and congestion, the Thrissur Skywalk signals a shift towards people-centric infrastructure – one that prioritizes safety, sustainability and accessibility over vehicle dominance.
–IANS
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