17 hrs ago
BMC’s Pedestrian First Campaign Clears Mumbai Footpath Obstructions
Mumbai’s civic body, called the BMC, is trying to make walking safer.
It has started a campaign called ‘Pedestrian First.’
The campaign aims to clear 200 footpaths of illegal obstacles.
Work has started on 136 of them.
So far, about 246 kilometers of footpaths have been cleared at 1,711 places.
The BMC is paying special attention to areas near railway stations.
Experts say many people in Mumbai walk or use public transport, but private vehicles use most of the road space.
City officials say they must overcome practical and legal problems while building footpaths that are safe and easy to use.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has targeted 200 footpaths in the first phase of its ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign.
Work has begun on 136 footpaths, while about 246 kilometers of footpaths have been cleared at 1,711 locations across 26 civic wards.
The campaign focuses on removing unauthorized hawkers and encroachments in accordance with Supreme Court directions.
Areas near railway stations, including Andheri, Vile Parle, Jogeshwari West and Bhandup, have received attention, with more work planned in Kanjurmarg, Mulund and Ghatkopar.
Experts said Mumbai needs safer, better-designed pedestrian infrastructure, while civic officials highlighted legal and practical implementation challenges.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, civic officials, urban planners and pedestrian-mobility experts.
- What
- A ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign to remove encroachments and make Mumbai’s footpaths safer and obstruction-free.
- Where
- Across Mumbai’s 26 civic wards, with special attention to areas near railway stations.
- When
- The campaign’s first phase is underway; a recent brainstorming session was also held in Byculla.
- Why
- To follow Supreme Court directions on removing unauthorized hawkers and encroachments and to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Pedestrian Infrastructure Priorities
Implementation Challenges
How Mumbai’s road space should be used
Pedestrian Infrastructure Priorities
Urban mobility experts said footpaths should prioritize citizens, noting that about 50% of Mumbai’s citizens travel on foot and that pedestrian infrastructure is a civic responsibility.
Implementation Challenges
The presentation cited in the article said private vehicles occupy nearly 82% of available road space while carrying about 19% of commuters, reflecting the existing allocation of road space.
Campaign implementation
Pedestrian Infrastructure Priorities
Experts and former officials called for properly designed, maintained and accessible footpaths, along with broader understanding of the ‘Pedestrian First’ approach across BMC offices.
Implementation Challenges
The Additional Municipal Commissioner said civic officials face practical and legal challenges while removing encroachments and implementing the campaign.
Key facts
- Campaign
- ‘Pedestrian First’
- Footpaths targeted
- 200
- Footpaths with work begun
- 136
- Footpaths cleared
- About 246 kilometers
- Locations affected
- 1,711 locations across 26 civic wards
- Railway areas addressed
- Andheri, Vile Parle, Jogeshwari West and Bhandup
- Upcoming focus areas
- Kanjurmarg, Mulund and Ghatkopar
Quotes
Shreya Gadepalli
Founder of the Urban Works Institute and an urban mobility expert
“Footpaths are for citizens”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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