Mumbai: BMC Clears Illegal Hawker Encroachment From Milan Subway To V.M. Marg Under ‘Pedestrian First’ Campaign

On Monday, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) conducted a special enforcement drive along Swami Vivekanand Road, stretching from Milan Subway to V.M. Marg Junction in the K/West Ward. This initiative was overseen by Deputy Commissioner (Division 4) Dr Bhagyashree Kapse and Assistant Commissioner Chakrapani Alle, with officials from diverse civic departments actively participating in the endeavor.

During the campaign, authorities removed unauthorized hawkers from footpaths, encroachments, unauthorised ramps, construction materials, and waste. The drive aimed at clearing obstacles that hindered pedestrian movement, specifically targeting the creation of accessible and barrier-free pathways. The BMC shared visual updates from the campaign on their X account, depicting officials dismantling unauthorized structures and clearing pedestrian zones.

A JCB excavator was even deployed to aid in the removal of structures and pedestrian area clearance.

This enforcement drive is part of the BMC's ongoing 'Pedestrian First' campaign aimed at enhancing road and footpath safety and accessibility throughout the city. So far, the campaign has identified 13 roads in Mulund, with plans to relocate 94 hawking stalls outside Bhandup railway station and 77 stalls outside Kanjurmarg railway station. The initiative seeks to improve footpath conditions across 20.50 km of pedestrian paths in 14 roads across S Ward.

During recent ground visits to civic T, S, and N wards, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide directed officials to develop comprehensive plans to fortify footpaths and regulate traffic around railway stations, particularly during peak hours. The areas targeted include Mulund, Bhandup, Kanjurmarg, and Ghatkopar. Under this campaign, 13 roads in T Ward have been prioritized for footpath clearance, with ongoing efforts to eliminate encroachments and create seamless pedestrian corridors.