BMC Commissioner and State-Appointed Administrator Bhushan Gagrani said the civic organisation is attempting to create new walkways as part of the city’s ongoing massive road concretisation project in response to mounting concerns over Mumbai’s poor pedestrian infrastructure.
Speaking at the ‘Walkable Cities’ conclave held at Y B Chavan Centre, Gagrani stressed the need for a safer, more accessible walking ecosystem in the city—especially in the suburbs where pavements are limited or missing. The conclave, organised by The Walking Project, explored walkability challenges and the future of pedestrian infrastructure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
According to the Walking Project’s data, 51% of Mumbaikars rely on walking as their primary mode of transport, with 47% across the MMR choosing to walk. Despite this, panelists pointed out the city’s lack of proper pedestrian infrastructure.
“The city needs a walking experience that is safe, useful, comfortable, and interesting,” said Gagrani. “Wherever road concretisation is underway, if there are no pavements, we are now ensuring that proper footpaths are built.”
He also acknowledged the challenges Mumbai faces—such as 40% reclaimed land, intense monsoons, redevelopment, and ongoing mega projects like the 400-km Metro network, Coastal Road, and Atal Setu. To counter these issues, the BMC is prioritising road quality and walkability through concretisation and footpath upgrades.
The BMC has allocated Rs 100 crore in its upcoming fiscal budget specifically for pedestrian infrastructure, in addition to the Rs 3,111 crore budgeted for road concretisation.
At the conclave, speakers like former corporator Makarand Narwekar proposed expanding pedestrian-only zones like those at Kala Ghoda, while Harshita Narwekar advocated for organised hawking zones to prevent footpath encroachments and ensure affordable food remains accessible.
Experts, including architect Pankaj Joshi from Urban Centre Trust, emphasised the need for a pedestrian-priority policy and disaster-resilient urban planning.
Highlighting BMC’s vision of a walkable and cycle-friendly Mumbai, Gagrani revealed that work on the 7.5-km-long promenade along the Coastal Road is progressing rapidly and will be completed by May-end. Stretching from Breach Candy to Worli, this new Marine Drive-like stretch will feature Dedicated cycle tracks, Jogging paths, Seating zones & Green spaces
Constructed on 111 hectares of reclaimed ground, 70 hectares of the landward side are set aside for public open spaces, such as forests and areas with a green theme.
“This will be a safe and car-free promenade with a proper cycling track. It’s going to be a new Marine Drive,” said Gagrani.
Source: The Indian Express
