Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 24 (NationPress) Kerala's initiatives aimed at reclaiming pedestrian areas and fostering sustainable urban mobility have garnered national acclaim, as the Thrissur Skywalk project secured a Special Mention Award at the 18th Urban Mobility India Awards held in Gurugram, Haryana on Monday.

Executed under the AMRUT Kerala Mission, this project has become a benchmark for pedestrian-centric urban planning and is inspiring similar projects throughout the state.

Situated at one of Thrissur's busiest junctions, the skywalk was developed to resolve long-standing challenges related to pedestrian safety and traffic congestion.

The elevated pathway provides a secure, uninterrupted connection to critical locations around the busy intersection, thereby reducing conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.

Since its inauguration, the facility has seen a steady increase in usage among daily commuters, who appreciate the enhanced safety, accessibility, and comfort it offers.

Officials report that the skywalk has not only made walking safer but has also significantly alleviated congestion at street level by redirecting foot traffic away from crowded roads.

Consequently, there has been a marked improvement in traffic flow and road behavior at the junction.

The AMRUT Kerala team was honored with the Special Mention Award in the Best City with Non-Motorised Transport System category for the Thrissur Skywalk.

Emphasizing the importance of this achievement, Suraj Shaji, Director of the Mission, stated, "This award exemplifies the quality of urban rejuvenation efforts we have undertaken. Thrissur will reap the benefits of this state-of-the-art facility, which enhances pedestrian comfort while reducing road fatalities. With features like solar energy, the skywalk aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and serves as a model for sustainable urban infrastructure."

Beyond its immediate utility, the project has sparked broader discussions about pedestrian rights, safer mobility infrastructure, and planning for non-motorized transport.

Urban authorities both within Kerala and beyond have shown interest in replicating the Thrissur model under AMRUT.

As cities contend with increasing urbanization and congestion, the Thrissur Skywalk represents a pivotal shift towards people-centric infrastructure that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and accessibility over vehicular dominance.