The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has initiated a transformative push to bridge the critical last-mile gap in Mumbai’s metro infrastructure by focusing on pedestrian-friendly access routes around key metro stations.
In an effort to promote safer, more inclusive, and sustainable commuting across the city, the MMRDA is working in tandem with the urban advocacy group Walking Project to implement vital interventions including widened footpaths and foot overbridges (FOBs) at strategic transit points. Among the most significant plans under consideration is the construction of a dedicated foot overbridge linking the Ram Mandir suburban railway station with the Goregaon (East) metro station on Metro Line 7. This initiative aims to create seamless intermodal connectivity for thousands of daily commuters who presently face bottlenecks in navigating across the heavily trafficked zones between metro and suburban networks.
In addition, a planned FOB between the Goregaon Metro station and the Nirlon Knowledge Park is expected to benefit office-goers and tech professionals working in the commercial enclave, while another linkage is proposed between Aarey Metro Station and the Oberoi Mall to support retail traffic and improve footfall. The vision extends further to Vile Parle, where Metro Line 2B is currently under construction. Here, MMRDA is working to establish smooth access routes between the under-construction metro station, the adjacent Vile Parle suburban railway station, and educational institutions in the area, including several prominent colleges. By focusing on a blend of transport and pedestrian infrastructure, the agency is signalling a shift from vehicle-first planning to people-first urban mobility – one that aligns with global goals for carbon neutrality, sustainable transport, and equitable access to infrastructure.
These proposals form a crucial part of MMRDA’s integrated mobility strategy, designed to harmonise different modes of transport – suburban railways, metro corridors, foot traffic, and feeder services – to foster an efficient, time-saving commute. For a metropolis like Mumbai, where the pressure on public transport is immense and the pace of infrastructure development is often outpaced by the needs of its growing population, such measures serve as a timely intervention. Experts believe that these linkages, if executed with attention to design and accessibility, will not only improve safety but also reduce dependency on private vehicles, thereby contributing to reduced urban congestion and lower emissions.
Importantly, the initiative is also a step toward gender-sensitive urban design, where pedestrian pathways and FOBs offer well-lit, monitored, and accessible corridors for women, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. As cities strive to be more inclusive, such micro-level improvements in transit accessibility become foundational to building equitable public spaces.
The MMRDA’s proactive stance highlights a broader recognition of the fact that the utility of a metro line is not merely defined by how fast it runs but how easily it can be accessed. As metro networks expand rapidly across Mumbai, ensuring that they are seamlessly stitched into the daily walking journeys of citizens will be key to their success. If these upgrades proceed as planned, Mumbai could serve as a model for people-centric transport development in other Indian metros striving to move towards eco-conscious and inclusive urban futures.
MMRDA Begins Work to Improve Metro Station Walkways and Access Roads
