Members of the Dakshineswar Kali temple trust have appealed to police to not allow stalls owners on the skywalk that leads to the temple to encroach on space meant for pedestrians.

In 2018 chief minister Mamata Banerjee had inaugurated the skywalk to ensure that devotees can reach the temple smoothly, avoiding the narrow Rani Rashmoni Road below.

The skywalk links the suburban railway station at Dakshineswar to the temple.

This week, once the Dakshineswar Metro is inaugurated, the temple authorities fear the footfall will go up sharply.

“More cops are needed on the skywalk to ensure that no stall owner encroaches on the pedestrian space for smooth movement of visitors,” said Kushal Chowdhury, secretary, Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Debottar Estate.

Officers of the Barrackpore police commissionerate said they have already re-examined the arrangements.