Mumbai never sleeps, but now it will walk better: 30 roads to get wider footpaths

Mumbai, known for its non-stop energy, is set to take a significant step towards enhancing pedestrian safety and walkability. The civic body has unveiled plans to widen footpaths on 30 roads in the eastern suburbs, spanning Ghatkopar, Bhandup, Kanjurmarg, Nahur, and Mulund. These roads, which include marketplaces, railway stations, schools, and bus stops, have been identified for redesign in the upcoming phase.

Currently, the footpaths on these roads are narrow and insufficient for a comfortable walk, often a mere stretch of culverts covering drains. To tackle this issue, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has enlisted the help of urban planners to craft an integrated pedestrian design. This plan involves widening the footpaths to a minimum of 2 meters in width and ensuring a uniform surface throughout.

Moreover, the redesign will extend to junction areas, traffic islands near stations, and junctions, all aiming to provide ample walking space for citizens. The aim is to make walking a viable option for last-mile connectivity, allowing people to seamlessly transition from their homes to transit points such as bus stations or railway stations.

During the course of the project, officials discovered that transformers, fire hydrants, and licensed hawking stalls were obstructing pedestrian movement. To address this, urban planners have been tasked with incorporating the removal of these obstacles into the design. The project will begin once the monsoon rains subside in October, with the initial implementation confined to the 30 selected roads, eventually expanding to cover all other administrative divisions in the city.