  Quantum walks are more than tools for building quantum algorithms. They have
been used effectively to model and simulate quantum dynamics in many complex
physical processes. Particularly, a variant of discrete-time quantum walk known
as split-step quantum walk is closely related to Dirac cellular automata and
topological insulators whose realizations rely on position-dependent control of
evolution operators. Owing to the ease of manipulating multiple degrees of
freedom of photons, we provide an optical setup of split-step operators which
in combination with position-dependent coin (PDC) operation can accomplish a
table-top setup of generalized split-step walks. Also, we propose an optical
implementation for PDC operation that allows, for instance, to realize electric
quantum walks, control localization dynamics, and emulate space-time curvature
effects. In addition, we propose a setup to realize {\it any} $t$-step
split-step quantum walk involving 2 $J$-plates, 2 variable waveplates, a
half-waveplate, an optical switch, and an optical delay line.
