mid-day impact: Mumbai's Khar Road footpath freed after hotel’s alleged illegal parking setup

A clear pedestrian pathway outside Hotel UniContinental in Khar West after civic authorities carried out anti-encroachment action

A public footpath near Khar Road railway station that had allegedly been blocked for months by a hotel's private parking setup was cleared after a mid-day report exposing the encroachment, prompting residents to demand a wider probe into possible structural violations.

The footpath outside Hotel UniContinental allegedly blocked by parked vehicles and structures on May 21 before civic action

The stretch outside Hotel Unicontinental in Khar West, located around 100 metres from the station and just 250 metres from the BMC ward office, had allegedly remained inaccessible to pedestrians for over six months due to parked vehicles, benches, a flagpole and large plant pots placed on the footpath.

Following the report published on Saturday morning, BMC and traffic police removed the encroaching structures and towed illegally parked vehicles, restoring pedestrian access to the footpath by Monday.

Residents alleged that people who earlier questioned the hotel's parking arrangement were intimidated. In a letter to the DCP of Zone 9, Khar Citizens Collective claimed pedestrians were allegedly threatened when they requested the footpath be cleared.

Benches, parked vehicles and structures occupying pedestrian space outside Hotel UniContinental on May 21 before the anti-encroachment drive

mid-day spot check

Wednesday and Thursday
>> Footpath blocked by hotel parking arrangement
>> Benches, flagpole and plant pots occupied pedestrian space
>> Cars parked on the public footpath
>> Pedestrians forced to walk on the road

Monday

>> Footpath fully accessible
>> Encroaching structures removed
>> Vehicles absent from the footpath
>> Traffic movement is smoother

Traffic movement near Khar Road station improved after BMC and traffic police cleared the allegedly encroached footpath outside Hotel UniContinental. pics/Satej Shinde

Voices

Pranay Shelar (26), works in Khar
"I have seen hotel vehicles parked on this footpath for the last 2-3 years. I have never seen this stretch this clear before."

Rajesh Thungalaya, commuter and RTI activist
"BMC officials should also verify whether the hotel's structure matches its approved plan. Some visible structures covering the open space appear unauthorised and could pose a fire hazard."

Neha Juneja, works near the hotel
"The footpath outside Hotel UniContinental was not just an inconvenience; it was a hazard. Daily commuters heading to Khar station were forced into traffic, especially during heat and monsoon conditions." Government employee "I have noticed that the footpath has remained clear of parked vehicles for the last 2-3 days."

Official speak

Dinesh Pallewad, assistant commissioner, H West Ward
"We have cleared the encroachment and seized all unauthorised items placed at the spot. Concerns regarding the footpath width will also be examined soon."

Subhash Shinde, senior PI, Bandra traffic
"Our staff, including PI Dattatray Kolhekar and API Bhojne, are continuously patrolling the area. Illegally parked vehicles are being fined and towed. On Friday, offences were registered against four vehicles under Section 285 of the BNS. Three four-wheelers were fined, and four two-wheelers were towed. We plan to increase enforcement to make illegal parking unfeasible."