New Delhi: While the helical design of the ITO skywalk drew mixed reaction from commuters Day 1, some experts opined against it being a covered facility. 

Covering such a facility, partially or fully, deters people from entering it, said Sewa Ram, professor of School of Planning and Architecture. “There are many reasons, including security. However, if the authority has selected this design, they must have thought about the threats.” 

SPA will conduct a study to understand its utility. “We will study the footfall before and after the construction to understand how successful the concept of skywalk is in Delhi,” said Ram. 

A PWD official said the design was selected through a competition among top architects. “A committee comprising experts from SPA, Delhi Urban Art Commission and PWD shortlisted 17 entries, out of which five best entries were chosen for final selection.” DUAC and other authorities were so impressed by the DN helix design that the project got 80 % funding under the erstwhile Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, he added. 

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Design-wise, the skywalk is not unique. While Peace Bridge in Calgary, Canada has double helix tubular formation, Hans Wilsdorf Bridge in Switzerland’s Geneva has interlaced elliptic rings, giving it the look of a bird’s nest.