The state government on Saturday granted special development project status to the skywalk projects in the city. With the status in place, the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA), which is building the yellow-coloured skywalks at 50 places in suburban Mumbai, will not have to pay property tax to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Under its ambitious plan, the MMRDA is planning to construct 50 skywalks near railway stations at the cost of Rs 600 crore in the city.

In a meeting held on Saturday morning, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan announced the special status for the skywalk project after consulting with the chief secretary headed committee. The MMRDA is expecting to make a good revenue from advertising permissions and has already got a good deal for the Bandra skywalk.