Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Mumbai's Footpaths: Crowded, Neglected, and in Need of Reform
In Mumbai, many people walk to get around, but the city's footpaths are often crowded with vendors and full of garbage.
This makes it hard for people to walk safely.
The footpaths were once wider and better, but over time, they have become narrower and more cluttered.
The government has tried to fix this by starting projects to improve footpaths, but many people say these efforts are not enough.
They want the government to make walking safer and more comfortable by enforcing laws and spending more money on footpaths.
Some areas, like near busy train stations, need special attention because so many people walk there every day.
Mumbai's footpaths are overcrowded with vendors and garbage, making it difficult for pedestrians to walk safely.
51% of trips in Mumbai are made on foot, but lack of adequate pedestrian infrastructure is a major grievance.
The Bombay High Court has criticized civic authorities for unlawful parking and encroachments on footpaths.
Mumbai has 4,000 km of footpaths, but their quality and width have deteriorated over the decades.
The BMC has initiated projects like the 'Pedestrian First' plan and a pilot project to upgrade 16.5 km of footpaths.
- Who
- Pedestrians and citizens of Mumbai
- What
- The neglect and encroachment of footpaths in Mumbai
- When
- The issue has worsened over the decades, particularly after the 1960s
- Where
- Across Mumbai, with specific focus on areas like Dadar, South Mumbai, and various suburbs
- Why
- Due to lack of adequate pedestrian infrastructure, encroachments, and poor urban planning
- Footpath Length
- 4,000 km
- Percentage of Trips on Foot
- 51%
- Budget for Pedestrian First Plan
- Rs 100 crore
- Pilot Project Footpath Length
- 16.5 km
- Global Walkability Ranking
- Among the 10 least walkable cities