Amid concerns over Mumbai’s burdened pedestrian infrastructure coming to fore, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner and state appointed administrator, Bhushan Gagrani said that the civic body is eyeing to develop new footpaths along the lanes where there are no dedicated pavements as a part of its ongoing mega-concretisation project.
Acknowledging the lack of an adequate walking ecosystem in the city, the civic chief on Friday pointed to the need for immediate attention for improvement of pedestrian infrastructure, particularly in the suburbs.
Gagrani was speaking at the Mumbai conclave on ‘Walkable cities’, organised by the Walking Project, which delved into issues surrounding the present and future of walkability in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, as well as its impact on improving the quality of life in the city.
According to the data furnished by the Walking Project, who have been mapping Mumbai’s streets including the charting of 23-km stretch along the SV road, nearly 47 percent of people in the MMR resort to walking while in Mumbai, nearly 51 percent walk in Mumbai. Meanwhile, nearly 23 percent depend on the suburban rail network for commuting while over nine percent are bus riders.
Despite the high density of pedestrians in Mumbai, panelists and experts concurred about the lack of adequate pedestrian infrastructure in the city.
Gagrani said that an adequate walking ecosystem was missing in the city, which is in need of a walking experience which is “safe, useful, comfortable and interesting.”
“The corporation recognises the issue and is trying its best to provide adequate infrastructure where it is missing and upgrade the facilities that exist, especially in the suburbs. Comparatively, the island city has more walking pavements but the suburbs need further upgrades which have to be ramped up. Currently, Mumbai is undergoing a huge infrastructure transformation ranging from the 400-km metro to the coastal road works, Atal Setu and the huge amount of concentration of roads,” said Gagrani.
Story continues below this ad
Pointing to Mumbai’s lands which are 40 percent reclaimed, intense rainfall within short durations and the redevelopment projects, Gagrani said that Mumbai is prone to diverse challenges in maintaining the upkeep and improving of road quality. “In a bid to prevent potholes, constant submergence of roads and regular trenching, the corporation has taken up the huge work of concretisation. While there is public inconvenience for the time being, we are sure that these road qualities will improve.”
“Wherever work of concretisation is ongoing, if there are no pavements, we are providing the facilities of pavements,” said Gagrani, adding that this will aid in improving infrastructure for walkability.
For the record, the BMC has allocated a budget of Rs. 100 crore in its fiscal budget for the upcoming year for upgrades to pedestrian infrastructure. Meanwhile, a budget of Rs. 3,111 crore has been earmarked for the ongoing concretisation works.
At the event, Former Colaba corporator, Makarand Narwekar pointed to the pedestrianisation of six lanes at Kala Ghoda, and called for implementation of similar walking zones across the city. Meanwhile, Harshita Narwekar, the ex-corporator of Ward A added, “We also need to implement plans of organised hawking zones to ensure that our walkways remain encroachment free while affordable food also remains accessible to the public.”
Story continues below this ad
Experts like architect Pankaj Joshi of Urban Centre Trust also illuminated the need for a ‘pedestrian priority policy’ as well as the need for inclusive and accessible infrastructure, which is also prepared for disasters.
Organised at the Y B Chavan centre, the conclave also saw the attendance of Pasha Patel from the Chief Minister’s Environment and sustainable development task force, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC amongst others.
Promenade and cycle track along coastal road likely completed by May: Gagrani
Ongoing works on the upcoming 7.5 kilometre-long promenade along the coastal road, stretching from Breach Candy until Worli, is likely to be completed by the end of May, according to the BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. Besides providing an uninterrupted walking experience parallel to the shoreline, the promenade will also earmark a stretch as a ‘cycle track’, in what will provide a safe cycling experience to citizens.
The promenade forms a part of the 70 hectares of the 111 hectares of reclaimed land, which has been earmarked particularly for the development of open spaces. While the landward side is likely to see development of forests and green-themed zones, nearly 7.5 km on the seaward side is being developed to be a Marine Drive-like promenade.
Story continues below this ad
According to officials, the promenade will comprise jogging tracks, seating areas along with multiple patches of green cover as well as a dedicated lane for cycling. Extending between Priyadarshini Park and Worli, this promenade will run adjoining the southbound carriageway of the coastal road.
At an event on Friday, civic chief Gagrani said that works on the promenade encompassing the cycle track are slated to be completed by May end.
“The promenade along the coastal road is presently under construction. This promenade will comprise an independent cycle track. This will be like a new Marine Drive along with a proper cycle track and without adjoining car movement, making it extremely safe,” said Gagrani.
