Officials and activists raise concerns over Mumbai's urban Infrastructure

As a coastal city, Mumbai is especially at risk from rising sea levels, which could submerge up to 10% of its land in the next 50 years. Mathou stressed that ecological concerns need to be addressed immediately.

Mumbai continues to face significant challenges with inadequate sidewalks and the absence of dedicated cycling lanes. At a recent event hosted by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the city's infrastructure deficiencies were addressed by Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary, Sujata Saunik. It was acknowledged that Mumbai is not designed to be pedestrian or cyclist-friendly, and the pressing issue now is determining how the city can transition toward a more walkable and bikeable environment.

Sustainable Urbanization

Saunik underscored the importance of sustainable urban development as a key priority for Mumbai’s future. She stressed the need to design or at least plan a city where industries are powered by renewable energy and green spaces are integrated into urban areas. According to Saunik, sustainable urbanization means creating a more inclusive city that addresses both the needs of its residents and environmental concerns. However, she acknowledged that significant challenges remain, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists who must navigate the city's often chaotic and unsafe infrastructure.

Environmental Risks

French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, brought attention to Mumbai’s unique environmental vulnerabilities. As a coastal city, Mumbai is especially at risk from rising sea levels, which could submerge up to 10% of its land in the next 50 years. Mathou stressed that ecological concerns need to be addressed immediately. In response, Saunik shared Maharashtra's enthusiasm for collaborating with France to improve Mumbai’s public transportation, making the metro network more cohesive and addressing the city's broader environmental and infrastructure challenges.

Call for Action

For years, local activists have been advocating for improvements to Mumbai’s infrastructure, but change has been slow. Many argue that the city's sidewalks remain incomplete and that the current infrastructure fails to meet the needs of its residents. Although discussions with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are ongoing, Mhatre and other campaigners feel that concrete actions have been lacking. Government officials have also raised concerns, highlighting that pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable in traffic accidents. Additionally, some have pointed out that many suburban areas either lack sidewalks or have them encroached upon by street vendors. While activists are encouraged by Saunik’s recognition of the issue, they remain cautious, unsure if real progress will follow anytime soon.

Uncertain Future

As Mumbai continues to grow and develop, the need for better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure has become increasingly clear. Civic groups, environmentalists, and government officials agree that addressing these issues is crucial for a greener and more inclusive city. However, whether meaningful action will follow remains uncertain. Despite the challenges, there is a shared hope that Mumbai can transform into a city that is not only walkable and bikeable but also sustainable for future generations.