September 19, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun revamping bollards along footpaths on Babasaheb Ambedkar Road in Dadar and Matunga to curb two-wheeler intrusion into pedestrian spaces. The move came after the Matunga division of the Mumbai Traffic Police flagged concerns, following repeated complaints from residents and a mid-day report.
Despite these footpaths being nearly four metres wide, riders often mount them to bypass traffic jams, raising serious safety concerns. The traffic police identified 18 problem spots where zig-zag barricades were recommended. On Thursday, BMC started work at some of these locations, including near Khodadad Circle. However, instead of zig-zag installations, regular bollards were placed.
A senior civic official explained, “At the ward level, there is no standard design for bollards that ensures pedestrian safety. The ones installed now will still deter motorists and help protect pedestrians.” According to officials, all 18 spots are expected to be covered by the weekend.
The initiative has sparked a debate about accessibility. Earlier, bollards were spaced to allow both pedestrians and wheelchair users to pass comfortably. But bikers exploited these gaps to ride onto footpaths. To address complaints, the BMC has temporarily narrowed the spacing. “Reducing the gap between bollards will block wheelchair users,” a senior civic official admitted, adding, “This is a stopgap measure. We need a long-term solution that balances pedestrian safety with urban equity.”
Highlighting possible solutions, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Roads) said: “There is a way to install bollards that allow wheelchairs but not bikers — by placing them at odd angles. A comprehensive survey will help us implement this more effectively.”
The civic body maintains that its current efforts are a temporary response, while a permanent, inclusive design is under consideration.
Source: Mid-day
