MMRDA launches ‘Public Transport Day’ in Bandra Kurla Complex, here's all about it

MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee said the initiative was entirely voluntary and designed as a public participation-driven effort rather than a regulatory measure. File Pic

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has proposed that every Friday be observed as ‘Public Transport Day' in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), as part of a new initiative aimed at encouraging sustainable and eco-friendly commuting practices, officials said on Wednesday.

The move is part of the "BKC Weekly Public Transport Day" initiative, under which employees working in the business district are encouraged to avoid private vehicles and instead opt for public transport, walking, or carpooling.

MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee told the ANI that the initiative was entirely voluntary and designed as a public participation-driven effort rather than a regulatory measure.

He stated that the idea was unanimously supported and reflects a collective effort to reduce traffic congestion and promote cleaner mobility choices within one of Mumbai's busiest commercial hubs.

Dr Mukherjee emphasised that citizens working or residing in BKC are encouraged to use buses, Mumbai Metro services, carpooling arrangements, or simply walk where feasible, instead of relying on private vehicles.

Early response encouraging, says MMRDA

According to Dr Mukherjee, the initial response to the initiative has been positive, though the real impact will be visible in the coming weeks.

He added that the next Friday would serve as a key indicator of public participation levels and commuting behaviour changes within the BKC area.

Officials expressed optimism that the initiative could help reduce peak-hour congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improve overall mobility efficiency in the financial district.

Mukherjee told the ANI, "It was unanimously decided that Friday should be observed as 'Public Transport Day' in BKC. This is entirely a public initiative. It is completely optional, and it is expected that every citizen who works or lives within the BKC jurisdiction shall observe Friday as a public transport day. This means they would choose to walk, use a carpool, or take the bus or metro. I think that the initial response is pretty good, but the coming Friday will tell us what the real response is, and I am very hopeful about it"

Push for behavioural change in urban commuting

The ‘Public Transport Day' initiative is part of a broader effort by MMRDA to promote behavioural change among daily commuters and encourage a shift towards mass transit systems such as metro, buses, and shared mobility solutions, officials said.

They believe that sustained adoption of such measures could support long-term improvements in air quality and traffic management in Mumbai.