The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has redeveloped the space beneath Mumbai’s Princess Street flyover into a pedestrian-focused public area, adding dedicated footpaths, a landscaped garden, lighting and a large mural across a 250-metre stretch. The upgrade was inaugurated on Tuesday under the civic body’s Pedestrian First initiative.
The redevelopment covers the space beneath the Shamladas Gandhi Marg flyover, where pedestrians previously had no separate footpath along sections of E Road and H Road. Walkers were consequently forced to share the carriageway with vehicles, creating safety and traffic-management problems in a densely used part of south Mumbai.
The problem was particularly difficult on H Road, which is around four metres wide. A public toilet, a BMC bank and a solid waste management outpost occupied portions of the area below the flyover, leaving limited space for pedestrian movement. The BMC said these structures were shifted to alternative locations to make room for the new public facilities.
A new footpath measuring about 150 metres has been built along E Road, while a winding pedestrian pathway extending approximately 100 metres has been created along H Road. The project also includes a 3D mural covering around 400 square metres on the wall adjoining E Road.
The open space has been landscaped as a garden with new tree plantations. According to the BMC, the plant species were selected for their ability to grow in areas that receive limited sunlight beneath the flyover. An automatic drip irrigation system has been installed to support maintenance of the green area.
Decorative electric poles now run along the 250-metre stretch, while a multipurpose structure of approximately 45 square metres has been constructed for use as a caretaker’s room, storage area and security post. The BMC said the structure will support the garden’s upkeep and improve security at the site.
Maharashtra Assembly Speaker and local legislator Rahul Narwekar inaugurated the redevelopment in the presence of C and D ward committee chairman Akash Purohit, corporator Rita Makwana, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Zone 1 Chanda Jadhav and C Ward Assistant Commissioner Sunil Mane. The civic body said local residents’ suggestions were considered during the planning and execution of the project.
The Princess Street intervention forms part of the BMC’s wider Pedestrian First campaign, being implemented under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. The campaign focuses on removing unauthorised hawkers and encroachments from footpaths and restoring them as accessible, obstruction-free walking spaces.
