06 July,2026 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
The footpath leading to the Pethali-Taloja Metro station in the Taloja node of Navi Mumbai’s Panvel region. PICS/ABHITASH SINGH
As mid-day continues to spotlight neglected pedestrian infrastructure across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, residents of Kharghar and Taloja in Navi Mumbai said footpaths must be recognised as essential public infrastructure, not an afterthought, and pedestrians should not have to navigate obstacles simply to reach their destination safely.
Damaged stretches near Shilp Chowk and uneven paving outside CIDCO Central Park, one of Navi Mumbai's busiest public spaces, continue to affect pedestrians every day.
Gautam Mayekar, Kharghar resident
One of the most concerning stretches is the footpath from Raghunath Vihar in Sector 14, Kharghar, where cracked paver blocks, uneven surfaces, and poor maintenance have made walking hazardous.
A footpath with cracks near Raghunath Vihar in Kharghar
During the monsoon, water accumulates in damaged sections, concealing broken surfaces and increasing the risk of slips and falls. "The condition of the footpath has deteriorated considerably over the years. Uneven paving and visible cracks make every walk a cautious one," said Abhishek Jha, a resident.
The stretch from Raghunath Vihar towards Shilp Chowk
[popcorn number="750 m" desc="Approximate distance between Raghunath Vihar and Shilp Chowk in Kharghar" class="Default"]
Near the Pethali Metro station, encroachments and vegetable crates often occupy the footpath, forcing pedestrians onto busy roads alongside moving traffic.
Fatma Bharde, citizen and journalist
"Well-maintained footpaths are a direct reflection of how seriously municipal authorities respect public safety and public health. Citizens, too, must not ignore their fundamental right to walk, which the Supreme Court has recently reaffirmed as an integral constitutional right. Neglected footpaths are not merely an infrastructure issue - they are a governance and citizens' rights issue," said advocate Gautam Mayekar, a Kharghar resident.
A pavement in Taloja with sizeable gaps
Fatma Bharde, citizen and journalist, said the conversation must move beyond constructing footpaths to creating genuinely walkable cities.
Crates block a footpath in Taloja
"The objective shouldn't be merely to construct footpaths, but to ensure they are safe, continuous, accessible, and truly walkable. A footpath is a city's lifeline for pedestrians and a citizen's right. Even an imperfect footpath is better than having no footpath at all, which remains the reality in many parts of Taloja," said Bharde.
