The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified its “pedestrian first” campaign, directing housing societies and commercial establishments to remove illegal access ramps and other encroachments occupying public footpaths.
The civic body has given establishments in K-West, Juhu, Versova and P-South (Goregaon) a deadline of one month to clear unauthorised ramps and other obstructions. Failure to comply could lead to action by the civic authorities.
🚧 320-Km Footpath Clearing Target
As part of Phase 1 of the campaign, BMC plans to clear approximately 320 km of footpaths across Mumbai. The first phase includes 27 roads covering around 37.7 km in K-West.
The objective is to restore footpaths for their intended purpose and ensure pedestrians do not have to walk on busy roads because of encroachments.
🏢 Housing Societies Under BMC's Watch
The campaign specifically addresses unauthorised structures and ramps created by housing societies and commercial establishments. BMC has made it clear that non-compliant access ramps and other physical obstructions on footpaths will not be tolerated.
The list of obstructions being targeted includes:
- Unauthorised access ramps
- Construction material and debris
- Abandoned or improperly parked vehicles
- Garbage and uneven surfaces
- Unauthorised advertising boards and hoardings
- Outward-opening building doors
- Other physical obstructions affecting pedestrian movement
📸 Daily Monitoring & Inspections
BMC officials will closely monitor the progress of the drive. Assistant commissioners have been instructed to conduct daily reviews and maintain before-and-after photographs of the affected areas.
Deputy commissioners will conduct weekly zonal reviews, while additional municipal commissioners will assess the progress every 15 days.
🛣️ Encroachments Already Being Removed
The campaign has already resulted in action across several locations. BMC officials have removed commercial structures and other obstructions from roads including Bandra Goregaon Marg, Ram Ganesh Gadkari Marg and S.V. Road.
Officials have also inspected several areas around Goregaon, Juhu, Versova, Malad and nearby wards as part of the ongoing drive.
🚶 Focus on Safer Footpaths
The campaign comes amid concerns that encroachments frequently force pedestrians to move onto roads, creating safety risks. BMC's objective is to restore continuous and obstruction-free walking spaces while improving the overall condition and accessibility of footpaths.
For housing societies and commercial establishments, the message is clear: unauthorised ramps and structures occupying public footpaths need to be removed within the stipulated period, or civic action may follow.
The larger goal is to put pedestrians first and reclaim Mumbai’s footpaths as safe public spaces.
🚶 BMC Orders Housing Societies & Shops to Remove Illegal Footpath Ramps Within One Month