Cotton Market Metro Station’s New Foot Overbridge Gains Traction Amid Commuter Shift Nagpur: A week after the second entry/exit at Cotton Market Metro Station opened to the public, MahaMetro officials reported that approximately one in five commuters is now using the newly constructed foot overbridge (FOB). The Rs 10 crore facility, which connects the station to the Lohapul side via a 120-metre skywalk over the bustling Cotton Market Square, records an average daily footfall of 250-300 passengers. While the station itself handles around 1,500-1,700 commuters daily, officials anticipate increased usage as more people become familiar with the new access point. The skywalk, equipped with two lifts and a staircase, aims to alleviate pedestrian congestion at one of the busiest stations on the Aqua Line. It provides a safer crossing for commuters heading to Lohapul, Ganesh Tekdi, and nearby commercial areas. However, many continue to prefer the original entrance due to its shorter walk. Commuter Aditya Deshmukh noted, “I use the new FOB whenever I’m heading towards Lohapul because it saves me from crossing the traffic. But if you’re coming from the other side, you end up walking much more. It’s similar to Sitabuldi Metro, where choosing the wrong exit leaves you on the other side of the road with a long walk ahead.” Urban planners emphasized that such infrastructure reaches its full potential only when cities foster a stronger walking culture. While commuters in cities like Mumbai routinely walk a kilometre or more to access public transport, Nagpur still relies heavily on private vehicles for short trips. Officials believe improved first- and last-mile connectivity, along with greater acceptance of walking, will boost the use of facilities like the Cotton Market skywalk.#mahaMetro #cotton_market_metro_station #lohapul #ganesh_tekdi #sitabuldi_interchange
