Mumbai footpaths are set for tighter civic enforcement after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said it had removed 2,803 encroachments and hawkers from 399 footpaths under its ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign. The drive covers roads stretching about 500 km across all 26 administrative wards, with priority given to areas around hospitals, schools, colleges, railway stations, bus stations and other public places.
The campaign was reviewed at the BMC’s Command and Control Centre in Worli on Saturday. BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide directed officials to ensure that footpaths remain permanently clear, safe and accessible instead of being cleared only during periodic drives.
The civic body launched the campaign under its accessible footpath policy. Alongside removing encroachments, the programme includes widening footpaths where required, repairing damaged stretches and maintaining cleanliness around pedestrian routes. Bhide said enforcement must go beyond temporary clearance and that shops, stalls and materials obstructing pedestrian movement would not be tolerated. Violators will face legal action, according to the BMC’s account of the meeting.
The directions also cover unauthorised parking. Civic officials have been asked to act against two-wheelers parked on footpaths in coordination with the traffic police. Where land has already been reserved for public parking, officials have been instructed to develop it for that purpose. Parking spaces are to be marked after considering footpath width and pedestrian safety, with designated parking bays created wherever suitable space is available.
The BMC will inspect unauthorised ramps built by housing societies that have altered footpaths to allow vehicles to enter or leave their premises. Officials have been directed to issue notices and take action where required, including removing such ramps and restoring the original footpath design.
The campaign also includes a verification process for authorised shops and stalls before any relocation or rehabilitation. Officials will check records and approved permissions to establish the original area occupied, with the stated aim of preventing rehabilitation measures from resulting in unauthorised expansion.
After clearance operations, civic officials have been instructed to repair footpaths promptly and keep them clean, safe and usable. Beautification work will follow a consistent design and layout, but the BMC has stressed that such work must not reduce pedestrian access or create new obstacles.
The commissioner has separately directed officials to take action against garage operators using footpaths to park or repair vehicles, as well as businesses using footpaths or roadside spaces unlawfully to buy and sell vehicles. The BMC said the ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign would continue as part of its effort to make Mumbai’s footpaths safer and more accessible.
