17 October,2026 06:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BMC launched the ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign under its accessible footpath policy to improve pedestrian safety and ensure that people can walk without obstruction. Representational Pic/File
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday said that it has removed 2,803 encroachments and hawkers from 399 footpaths in Mumbai under its âPedestrian First' campaign, covering roads stretching about 500 km.
The drive has been carried out across all 26 administrative wards, with a focus on areas around hospitals, schools, colleges, railway stations, bus stations and other public places.
At a review meeting held at the Command and Control Centre in Worli on Saturday, BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide directed officials to keep footpaths permanently clear, safe and accessible for pedestrians.
The civic body launched the âPedestrian First' campaign under its accessible footpath policy to improve pedestrian safety and ensure that people can walk without obstruction.
The campaign focuses on removing encroachments, widening footpaths where necessary, repairing damaged stretches and maintaining cleanliness in surrounding areas.
Bhide said the action must go beyond temporary clearances and ensure that footpaths remain available for pedestrians. She warned that shops, stalls and materials placed on footpaths to obstruct pedestrian movement would not be tolerated and that violators would face strict legal action.
Bhide directed officials to take effective measures against unauthorised parking of two-wheelers on footpaths, in coordination with the traffic police.
Where land has been reserved for public parking, officials have been asked to develop it for public use. They have also been instructed to mark parking spaces carefully, taking footpath width and pedestrian safety into account, and create designated parking bays wherever suitable space is available.
The commissioner also ordered inspections of unauthorised ramps built by some housing societies by modifying footpaths to allow vehicles to enter and leave their premises. The civic body has been directed to issue notices and take action as required to remove such ramps and restore the original footpath design.
The BMC will also verify the original area occupied by authorised shops and stalls before relocating or rehabilitating them.
Officials have been instructed to check official records and approved permissions to ensure that rehabilitation is carried out according to the rules and does not lead to unauthorised expansion.
Repairs and beautification after clearance
Bhide directed civic officials to repair footpaths promptly after removing encroachments and ensure that they are clean, safe and in good condition.
Beautification work should follow a consistent design, with clear layouts and an attractive appearance, while ensuring that footpaths remain accessible and free of obstacles.
She also called for strict action against garage operators who use footpaths to park and repair vehicles, as well as those who use footpaths or roadside spaces unlawfully for buying and selling vehicles.
The BMC said the campaign would continue to make Mumbai's footpaths safer and more accessible for pedestrians.
