Nagpur: After nearly a year of construction and multiple missed deadlines, the long-awaited Cotton Market Metro Foot Over Bridge (FOB) will finally open to the public on July 3. The 10-crore skywalk, built as a second entry and exit to the Cotton Market Metro station, marks the completion of the last pending infrastructure component of Nagpur Metro‘s Phase 1.The 120-metre skywalk spans the busy Cotton Market Square, connecting the metro station to the Lohapul side. Equipped with two lifts and a staircase, it offers barrier-free access for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and commuters.A senior MahaMetro official confirmed that the bridge has received all mandatory statutory clearances, including approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).Cotton Market station had a longer gestation than other Phase 1 stations. Although the first phase of Nagpur Metro was inaugurated in Dec 2022, the station itself became operational only in Sept 2023 after land acquisition issues delayed its opening by nearly nine months. Even after services began, work on the second entry through the FOB continued, making it the final unfinished element of the phase.Construction of the bridge began in August 2024 and was initially scheduled for completion within a year. However, the project overshot multiple deadlines due to an extended monsoon, festive-season labour shortages and the time required to secure statutory approvals. Following the CMRS inspection, a few minor modifications were carried out before the final clearance was granted.Located on the Aqua Line between Sitabuldi Interchange and Railway Station, Cotton Market Metro station serves thousands of commuters every day, particularly traders and shoppers visiting Nagpur’s wholesale vegetable and orange markets. The new skywalk is expected to improve access to landmarks including Mahatma Phule Market, the Electronic Market, Shani Mandir, Ganesh Tekdi Mandir, Agyaram Devi Chowk and Raman Science Centre. It will also reduce pedestrian congestion and provide a safer crossing over the busy Cotton Market Square.
