Mumbai’s Bandra residents have raised growing concerns over the misuse of footpaths by two-wheeler riders, highlighting the risk posed to pedestrians, particularly senior citizens. Locals from St Andrew’s Road, Hill Road, and Turner Road say that riders frequently zip through footpaths and violate traffic norms, including riding on one-way streets.
Residents assert that the unsafe practices have persisted despite prior communications with authorities. In May this year, they formally requested the Mumbai Traffic Police to deploy personnel at critical junctions and install bollards and signage to deter footpath riding. The St Andrew’s Road Residents Association emphasised that persistent violations not only endanger pedestrians but also damage footpath infrastructure, including utility ducts and tiles. Following the complaints, traffic police inspected the affected areas and issued a response in July indicating that remedial measures were being undertaken. The installation of bollards on St Andrew’s Road has slightly alleviated the issue, though residents say the problem persists, especially during busy afternoon hours when riders use footpaths to bypass congestion at key junctions.
Officials from the Bandra Transport Division confirmed that traffic police are routinely deployed at critical intersections, with additional support requested from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for infrastructure interventions. While bollards have been recently installed on St Andrew’s Road, plans are underway to extend similar measures to Hill Road and Turner Road. Authorities have highlighted that footpath misuse by vehicles accelerates wear and tear, necessitating regular repairs and maintenance. The Assistant Commissioner of the H West ward noted that proactive enforcement is essential to safeguard pedestrians and prevent further damage to public property. Heavy penalties are being proposed for motorists found violating footpath rules, and residents advocate for consistent monitoring rather than temporary deployments during events such as the Bandra Fair.
Experts from urban planning and traffic safety divisions underscore that pedestrian-first policies are critical for sustainable, equitable city development. By curbing footpath violations, authorities not only ensure the safety of vulnerable populations but also maintain infrastructure integrity and promote a more eco-friendly urban mobility system. As Mumbai’s urban population grows, the Bandra footpath situation reflects wider challenges in balancing vehicular traffic with pedestrian safety. Residents continue to press officials for permanent solutions, including robust enforcement, structural interventions, and transparent reporting mechanisms to track violations and repairs.
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