BMC fast-tracks Mumbai footpath revamp, floats 15-plus tenders after ‘Pedestrian First’ push

Motorcyclists ride along a footpath meant for pedestrians, highlighting the very problems the BMC’s ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign aims to address. File pics/Ashish Raje

Just days after Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide rolled out the BMC's 'Pedestrian First' campaign and inspected footpaths in Vile Parle, the civic body has stepped up work across Mumbai by floating more than 15 tenders to repair and upgrade footpaths in several suburbs.

Between August 3 and August 7, ward offices invited tenders for works in Matunga, Mahim, Mulund, Andheri and Borivli, among other areas. The works include widening footpaths, repairing damaged stretches, improving accessibility, removing encroachments and relocating street furniture that obstructs pedestrian movement.

Hours after responding to mid-day's questions on pedestrian safety, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide inspected footpaths along Ram Ganesh Gadkari Marg and Swami Vivekananda (SV) Road in Vile Parle (West) on Thursday. Pics/By Special Arrangement

The tenders, worth over Rs 50 lakh, follow instructions from the BMC headquarters directing ward offices to prioritise pedestrian infrastructure under the city's 'Pedestrian First' policy.

What will change?

The proposed works include
. Widening footpaths
. Relaying damaged pavement
. Removing paver blocks where required
. Laying fresh cement concrete
. Resetting kerb stones
. Repairing water tables
. Creating open spaces around trees
. Constructing water inlets
. Installing pedestrian direction markers
. Relocating street furniture that obstructs pedestrians

Bhide inspects Vile Parle footpaths

On Thursday, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide inspected footpaths along
. Ram Ganesh Gadkari Marg
. Swami Vivekananda Road (SV road)

The stretch was identified as a priority because it is used extensively by
. Patients visiting Cooper Hospital
. Ambulances
. College students
. Daily pedestrians
According to the BMC, 27 roads covering 37.7 km have been selected in K-West ward for encroachment removal under the campaign.

OfficialSpeak

Ashwini Bhide, Municipal Commissioner
"All Assistant Municipal Commissioners have been directed to conduct daily reviews of the campaign in their respective wards, while Deputy Municipal Commissioners will carry out weekly zonal reviews and submit detailed progress reports."

Senior civic official
"These works are being undertaken at the ward level either based on directions from headquarters or local requirements. During repairs, all wards have been instructed to follow the Universal Footpath Policy (Pedestrian First Policy) guidelines."

Areas covered

F North Ward
. Dosti Elite-Thirumalai Building
. NS Mankikar Road
. Sion Talav Garden
. Kamgar Society-Sion Koliwada
. Road No. 29
. Sardar Nagar
. Kalpataru Royale-Champaklal Udyog Bhavan

T Ward
. Murugan Palace-RRT Road junction
. Ratna Super Market, Mulund West

K West Ward
. MA Road, Andheri West
R-South Ward
. Selected locations in Kandivli West

Pedestrian First: What is it?

The BMC's Pedestrian First campaign aims to make footpaths
. Wider
. Obstruction-free
. Accessible
. Safer
. Uniform across the city
Ward offices have also been instructed to remove encroachments and relocate street furniture that obstructs pedestrian movement.