Altamount Road is widely regarded as a symbol of wealth and influence. Lined with residences of some of India’s most prominent business families, it frequently appears in global rankings of the world’s most expensive streets. The neighbourhood conveys exclusivity, order and round-the-clock security. However, the experience changes markedly for those navigating it on foot.
Pavements That Disappear
Walking along the stretch is often less about leisure and more about manoeuvring through obstacles. Footpaths start suddenly and vanish just as quickly. In many sections, they are cracked, narrowed by parked cars or obstructed by construction debris. In certain patches, pavements are absent altogether.
Resident Nitasha Bharwani acknowledges the area’s safety but points to its shortcomings. “It’s a very safe area,” she says, noting that even late-night walks feel secure. “The challenge, however, is the lack of proper footpaths, making it nearly impossible to maintain a steady walk, especially with constant traffic moving in both directions.”
Without uninterrupted pedestrian infrastructure, walkers frequently step onto the main road.
Construction and Congestion
Ongoing redevelopment has added to the strain. Heavy vehicles, cranes and supply trucks pass through regularly, reducing already-limited walking space. Uneven surfaces and incomplete paving work become particularly risky during the monsoon.
“If a resident wants to walk, the footpath is encroached,” Nitasha says. “There is no option but to walk on the main road, and the chance of getting hit is very high.”
Families with children and elderly residents are especially affected, as many depend on short daily walks or nearby errands on foot.
A Street of Contrasts
Residents observe disparities in upkeep. Areas near high-profile residences appear cleaner and better maintained, while other stretches remain cluttered with vehicles and damaged pavements.
“For the people who have lived here from the beginning, before all this traffic, it was always easier to walk,” Nitasha says. “That is lacking now.”
Security arrangements during private events can further restrict pedestrian movement.
Altamount Road may offer security and prestige, but consistent, accessible pavements remain elusive.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
