BMC Launches Pedestrian-Friendly Drive in Eastern Suburbs

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched an intensified 'Pedestrian First' campaign in Mumbai's eastern suburbs, focusing on accessible footpaths around railway stations.

As part of this initiative, 13 roads in Mulund have been identified for footpath clearance, and 94 hawking stalls outside Bhandup railway station and 77 stalls outside Kanjurmarg railway station will be relocated.

The BMC plans to make 20.50 km of footpaths across 14 roads in S Ward, which includes areas like Bhandup, Kanjurmarg, and Ghatkopar, pedestrian-friendly.

Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide conducted ground visits in civic T, S, and N wards, directing officials to prepare detailed plans to improve footpaths and regulate traffic around railway stations, particularly during peak hours.

The BMC will also relocate hawkers and remove encroachments to create uninterrupted pedestrian corridors. At Bhandup railway station, the BMC will prepare a plan to streamline BEST bus operations and road traffic while ensuring adequate pedestrian space.

Additionally, the BMC plans to remove 26 stalls at Bhattipada Junction on Lal Bahadur Shastri Road and another 27 stalls at Peppermint Chawl.

In Ghatkopar, the BMC has planned encroachment-removal action along five roads, which will make around 3 km of footpaths available for pedestrians.

The BMC will also strengthen measures such as fines for roadside dumping, CCTV surveillance, and regular waste collection through dedicated vehicles.

The area around Badwaik Hospital in Bhandup has been cited as a model for eliminating a garbage-vulnerable point.

The 'Pedestrian First' campaign is part of the BMC's efforts to improve the city's infrastructure and make it more pedestrian-friendly.

The campaign has been launched in response to the growing need for better pedestrian infrastructure in the city, particularly in areas with high foot traffic.

The BMC's efforts to improve footpaths and regulate traffic around railway stations are expected to have a significant impact on the daily commute of thousands of Mumbaikars.

The success of the 'Pedestrian First' campaign will depend on the effective implementation of the plans and the cooperation of citizens.

If successful, the campaign could serve as a model for other cities in India, highlighting the importance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in urban planning.

In conclusion, the BMC's 'Pedestrian First' campaign is a step in the right direction towards making Mumbai a more pedestrian-friendly city.

The campaign's focus on accessible footpaths around railway stations and the relocation of hawkers and encroachments are expected to improve the daily commute of Mumbaikars and make the city's infrastructure more pedestrian-friendly.