Mid-Day impact: Mumbai civic body begins bollard revamp to stop two-wheeler footpath encroachment

BMC workers install new bollards on BR Ambedkar Road near Dadar on Thursday. Pic/Atul Kamble (right) The wide gap between the bollards used by bikers to ride on the footpath on Wednesday. Pic/Kirti Surve Parde

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday morning began work on redesigning bollards along the footpaths of Babasaheb Ambedkar Road in the Dadar and Matunga areas, in a bid to stop two-wheeler riders from encroaching on pedestrian space.

A biker misuses the footpath at Dadar TT, sparking complaints from residents. Pic/Atul Kamble

The civic action followed a letter from the Matunga division of the Mumbai Traffic Police to the F North ward, after repeated complaints from residents and a mid-day report highlighting the menace. The area has some of the city's widest footpaths, close to four metres across, but riders often use them to escape traffic snarls, jeopardising pedestrian safety.

The traffic police had flagged 18 problem spots where zig-zag barricades were sought. On Thursday, BMC began work at a few of these locations near Khodadad Circle. However, instead of zig-zag bollards as suggested, the civic body installed regular bollards.

The wide gap between the bollards used by bikers to ride on the footpath on Wednesday. Pic/Kirti Surve Parde

A senior civic official told mid-day, "At the ward level, there is no standard design for bollards that ensure pedestrian safety. The ones installed now will still deter motorists and help protect pedestrians." According to the BMC, all 18 locations are likely to be covered by the weekend.

The debate

The move, however, has thrown up a dilemma. BMC said the earlier bollards were designed to be both pedestrian- and wheelchair-friendly, with enough space between them. Unfortunately, bikers were misusing this very gap to mount the footpaths.

Civic staff carry out bollard installation work at Khodadad Circle on Thursday.Pic/Atul Kamble

Faced with a flood of complaints, BMC has temporarily narrowed the spacing. But officials admitted this could hurt accessibility. "Reducing the gap between bollards will block wheelchair users," a senior civic official said, adding, "This is a stopgap measure. We need a long-term solution that balances pedestrian safety with urban equity."

Authorities speak

Additional municipal commissioner (Roads) said: "There is a way to install bollards that allow wheelchairs but not bikers - by placing them at odd angles. A comprehensive survey will help us implement this more effectively."