The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a citywide 'Pedestrian First' campaign aimed at making mumbai's footpaths safer, obstruction-free and more accessible. As part of the first phase, the civic body will clear encroachments from 320 kilometres of footpaths, with ward officials directed to begin the drive immediately.
Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said improving pedestrian infrastructure must be treated as a top civic priority, noting that nearly 50 per cent of daily trips in Mumbai are made on foot. She stressed that maintaining clear footpaths should be an ongoing administrative responsibility rather than a one-time campaign.
The campaign targets a wide range of obstructions that hinder pedestrian movement, including:
The drive will prioritise high-footfall areas such as schools, hospitals, railway stations, metro stations, bus depots, marketplaces and commercial zones to ensure pedestrians can move safely and conveniently.
Licensed vendors have also been instructed to operate strictly within their designated spaces without extending stalls, storage or display boards onto footpaths.
To ensure effective implementation, Bhide has directed all Ward Assistant Commissioners to conduct daily inspections of footpaths and oversee anti-encroachment operations in their respective wards.
Officials are required to submit daily progress reports along with before-and-after photographs documenting the action taken. Deputy Commissioners will conduct weekly zonal reviews, while Additional Municipal Commissioners will monitor progress every 15 days.
The Commissioner warned that negligence, delays or failure to prevent encroachments from reappearing would invite strict disciplinary action against responsible officials.
Alongside clearing encroachments, the BMC will upgrade, repair and beautify footpaths across the city.
All new footpaths must be constructed strictly according to approved specifications using M-40 grade concrete. The civic body has prohibited the use of paver blocks and stamped concrete, citing concerns over durability and pedestrian safety.
Officials have also been instructed to remove uneven surfaces, eliminate gaps, dismantle unauthorized ramps and scientifically prune tree branches that obstruct walkways.
The decision to tighten construction standards follows several fatal tree-collapse incidents during the monsoon. Investigations found that paver blocks and stamped concrete installed around roadside trees had restricted root growth, weakened tree stability and contributed to the collapses.
By mandating improved construction practices, the BMC aims to create footpaths that are both safer for pedestrians and more supportive of healthy urban trees.
According to the civic body, the 'Pedestrian First' initiative will particularly benefit students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and daily commuters by creating continuous, accessible and obstruction-free walkways.
The campaign is also expected to improve pedestrian safety, reduce accidents, encourage walking, ease traffic congestion, enhance traffic flow and contribute to better air quality and public health.
The BMC has directed all departments to prepare a priority-wise list of footpaths for continuous monitoring, ensuring that newly cleared walkways remain free from future encroachments.