To remove encroachment on the sidewalks and make them walkable, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is developing pedestrian-friendly areas across Mumbai. Accordingly, an ambitious walking plaza is being built in South Mumbai.
About 40% of the work of the Walking Plaza has been completed, with the focus on a 210-metre strip between Deepak Jog Chowk (Ministry) and Bhai Bhandarkar Chowk (Wednesday Park). It also includes a footpath and a traffic junction. The project is expected to be completed by December this year.
The project includes concrete footpaths, 3D street art and landscaping, and a corridor for public use. Beautiful Ashoka trees and ornamental trees will be planted along this stretch to enhance its appeal. The project, worth approximately INR 5 crore, is being funded by the Tourism Department and the District Planning and Development Committee. M/s Surya Engineering and Construction has been appointed to implement the project.Also Read: Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel Will Be Ready By 2028: Devendra Fadanvis
Efforts are also being made to solve the parking problems in the area. To keep the plaza free from hawkers and encroachments, the BMC will carry out regular maintenance. Informative signboards will be installed to help tourists navigate nearby roads and tourist attractions.
Additionally, the wall of the adjacent railway colony can be beautified pending approval from the railway authorities, the official said. Currently, excavation and other works are at a standstill due to the monsoon. The BMC has assured that the project will be completed by December 2025.
Initially, there was also a proposal for a seating area on the walkway, but it has been scrapped due to concerns about misuse by homeless people. Once this phase is completed, the BMC is planning to expand similar pedestrian-friendly walkways to other parts of Colaba.