BMC Undertakes Night Cleanup of Mumbai Highways
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a large-scale overnight cleanup initiative on Mumbai’s key highways. The cleanup, which began on March 18, is set to continue through March 22, focusing on the Western Express Highway (WEH) and Eastern Express Highway (EEH). This timely initiative is expected to make a significant impact on the city’s roadways while reducing the environmental burden.
Operating between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., the drive aims to minimize disruptions to daily commuters while allowing the BMC to carry out extensive cleaning operations without causing traffic gridlocks. The work covers the major highways, along with ramps, service roads, and surrounding areas that are often overlooked in regular clean-up activities. By working during the night, the BMC ensures the roads are ready for use in the early hours of the morning, improving traffic flow and commuter safety.On the first night, BMC’s efforts were already visible. A total of 16.3 kilometres of roads were cleaned, with 8.8 kilometres on the EEH and 7.8 kilometres on the WEH. Areas like M-West, N, and L wards along the EEH, and H-East and K-East wards on the WEH, were prioritized. A combination of 16 mechanical machines, including sweepers, misting machines, litter pickers, and water tankers, was deployed to remove waste, clear encroachments, and wash the roads.
The initiative has already delivered impressive results.
Over 9.5 tonnes of waste and 25 tonnes of debris were cleared from both highways on the first night. Abandoned vehicles were removed, and sections of the highways were disinfected, creating a cleaner, safer environment for commuters. The BMC has made it clear that the aim of the operation is not just to clean the roads, but also to enhance the overall traffic experience by making the highways more accessible and safer.This latest effort is part of the BMC’s ongoing drive to improve cleanliness across Mumbai. The corporation had already carried out a similar initiative focusing on hospitals and railway stations earlier in March. These coordinated efforts are part of a broader strategy to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city. By improving sanitation and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic, the BMC is not only enhancing the city’s aesthetics but also working towards its long-term environmental goals.
Several municipal departments are involved in the operation, including Solid Waste Management, Encroachment Removal, and Health. Their combined efforts are aimed at ensuring that the cleanup drive addresses all aspects of the highways, from debris removal to improving accessibility and safety. The BMC’s work on these roads is part of its broader mission to make the city more inclusive and sustainable for all its residents, with a special focus on creating equitable public spaces.The overnight highway cleanup drive is a clear step towards tackling Mumbai’s growing environmental challenges. As the city continues to urbanize rapidly, maintaining cleanliness and accessibility on key infrastructure becomes even more critical. The BMC’s approach of using mechanical machines and working at night ensures minimal disruption while providing tangible benefits to commuters and residents alike. This initiative, along with other ongoing efforts, will likely set a precedent for future urban cleanup campaigns, pushing Mumbai closer to becoming a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable city.
As the campaign progresses, the BMC plans to continue these nightly operations to clean and improve other parts of the highway network. The ultimate goal is to reduce the environmental footprint, enhance public health, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Mumbai’s infrastructure.
