Pune: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority is set to float tenders for building an internal road to state’s longest glass skywalk proposed in Lonavala connecting lion and tiger points as part of a tourism project that will be executed at a cost of Rs909.04 crore. Eight tenders are currently under evaluation. “The road work will set the momentum for the mega project, which has been showcased as a major tourism initiative for the district. Tenders will also be floated for international bidders to bring in global expertise,” a senior PMRDA official told TOI after attending a meeting held in this regard on Thursday.The proposed structure will be 125-metre-long, 6-metre-wide and will be built on the lines of Grand Canyon skywalk in Arizona, US. It will also include a 90-metre-long bridge, designed to enhance the overall visitor experience. The project has a two-year deadline for completion — in June 2027. Of the Rs909.04 crore investment, Rs213.12 crore have been earmarked for core infrastructure development, while works worth Rs695.92 crore will be carried out through public-private partnerships. To facilitate easy access, PMRDA is planning a major upgrade of regional infrastructure. This includes widening the 11-km A1 Chikki-skywalk stretch to 45 metres and the creation of a new elevated freeway between Mulshi and Lonavla. “The entire development is centred around Kurwande village in Lonavla, known for its panoramic views and popularity among tourists from Mumbai and Pune,” another official said.Land acquisition for the project has made significant headway. The authority has received in principle approval for acquiring 20.90 hectares of forest land and already transferred ₹5.25 crore to the forest department as net present value. To compensate for the diversion of forest land, alternative sites have been identified. Acquisition of 3,378 square metres of private land is in its final stages.The proposed skywalk will also feature world-class tourist amenities, including a 5,000-square-metre rooftop cafe, a 1,000-seater amphitheatre, dedicated adventure sports facilities, and parking space for 1,600 cars and 2,000 two-wheelers. Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar directed PMRDA to ensure that the project was completed as per schedule, officials said.“The skywalk is not just a tourism project; it is a transformative infrastructure initiative for the region,” a PMRDA official said, adding that the plan aligns with state’s vision to develop world-class tourism hubs with strong connectivity, amenities, and economic returns.
