Mumbai: Vile Parle footpath test walk reveals 12 obstructions in just 180 metres

Pinnacle Imaging Centre has its gates opening outwards, blocking the footpath. PICS/SARTHAK MEHTA

In yet another case of blatant disregard for public sidewalks, a 180-metre test walk by Mid-Day in Vile Parle ran into up to 12 obstructions on Monday and Tuesday. The obstructions included permanent structures which have been in place without any civic action for over five years, according to long-time residents of the area. Speaking with this reporter at the spot, freshmen from nearby colleges exclaimed that they weren't even aware that this was supposed to be a footpath.

On days when there is no car, stretch starts with a flower shop named Roses & Lily's occupying a large portion of the walkway

The 180-metre distance on Indravadhan Ojha Marg starts from the Gulmohar Road junction and ends at the NS Road No. 3 junction. The stretch is also parallel to RN Cooper Municipal Hospital. While the footpath adjacent to Cooper's boundary wall offers significantly better accessibility, this one remains choked by the obstructions.

Then comes the BEST bus stop 05026, which leaves little space on the footpath

Footpath revival

According to civic officials who reviewed the list of obstructions…
>> Plant pots and the fruit shops will be removed
>> BEST bus stop is authorised
>> The flower shop ‘Roses & Lily's' was served a notice by the BMC, but the shop owner has challenged it in court. Civic officials are awaiting the court's final order before concluding the shop's legal status
>> The unnamed general store and the milk scheme shop (A/S 49) might be licensed shops; applicable action will be taken after assessing their permits and legal status

Heading from Gulmohar Road towards Juhu NS Rd No. 3, the first obstruction was a parked car

Ground reality

When this reporter visited the spot on Thursday, the plant pots had been cleared. However, the Pinnacle Imaging Centre gates were still open outwards, there were cars seen parked on the footpath, and the fruit vendors were still around.

Cars are parked near the general store

Official Speak

K WEST Ward official
‘We will launch an inspection drive on Wednesday and clear encroachments. Action against permanent structures can be taken only if they are found to be operating without licences and permits. Licensed vendors are authorised to set up shop on footpaths'

A makeshift fruit shop occupies space, followed by another fruit shop

Salim Tamboli, police inspector (Traffic)
DN Nagar ‘Parking on the footpath is a serious violation of traffic rules. My staff will check the location and take appropriate action'

Plant pots then occupy the entire footpath, leading to the outward opening gates on Pinnacle Imaging Centre, followed by more plant pots

Pedestrian Speak

Vedant Solanki, 32, Gulmohar Road resident

‘This stretch is part of my walks with my dog. Around 5-6 years ago, the footpath was in similar condition. I can never take the footpath on this stretch and always have to switch to the road. Earlier, the shops used to be smaller, many set up during COVID. I don't remember any civic action against these setups'

Shop with a ‘Greater Mumbai Milk Scheme, Bhatia Enterprises, A/S 49' board

Aaradhya,19, student

‘I study in a nearby college and have been passing through this stretch for around a year now. The primary reason I don't take the footpath is frequent obstructions due to parked cars. Also, I don't mind walking on the road because the roads here are not that busy. There is actually less congestion on the roads than on these footpaths'

Daksh Sethi, 20, BCom student

‘I have been living here for three years, and I am a frequent, experienced walker. This stretch always been in this unusable state. Generally, I prefer walking on footpaths as it's safer, but here I have to take the road for this portion as it's unusable, with obstructions every 20 metres. Society ramps and drain covers are a different large issue. They are a tripping hazard. A footpath should offer a safe and smooth walk; that's so basic. Authorities had cleared many footpaths earlier in the year, including the Anand vada pav spot. They should focus on this stretch as well'

Dhruvi Unadkat, 18, student, Bachelor of Accounting and Finance

‘I am new to the city and have been passing this stretch for three days now. I wasn't aware that this was a footpath. Seeing these plant pots and society ramps, I was under the impression that these must be their private spaces. I walk on the road because I feel I am safer there as compared to these footpaths'

Vivaan Grover,17

‘If it's a pedestrian walkway, it should remain that way to serve its function. I would request the BMC to act on this. I visit this area occasionally, but I still haven't observed this level of obstruction in other areas I frequent'