Mumbai Footpaths Cleared of Ramps to Prioritise Walkability
Mumbai’s urban landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) enforces its latest policy aimed at prioritising pedestrian movement over vehicular convenience. In a decisive move, the civic body has begun the removal of ramps built by residential societies and commercial establishments that extend onto footpaths, asserting that pedestrian safety and accessibility take precedence. The move, which forms part of the ongoing road concreting and footpath enhancement initiative, has sparked widespread debate among residents, urban planners, and civic activists, bringing to light issues of urban design, accessibility, and regulatory oversight.
As part of this new push, ramps encroaching on pedestrian pathways have been dismantled across various parts of the city. The policy has been enforced stringently following concerns that such encroachments disrupt walkability, particularly for senior citizens, disabled individuals, and daily commuters who rely on Mumbai’s footpaths. While the BMC maintains that the policy will ensure a safer and more accessible urban environment, the abrupt implementation has drawn criticism from those affected. Some residents have expressed frustration over the sudden changes, especially in areas where building entrances now sit at an inconvenient height due to the altered street level after road work.
BMC officials have defended the move, stating that pedestrian movement must not be compromised. They argue that footpaths are meant for walking and should not be obstructed by unauthorised modifications catering to private interests. Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar outlined the civic body’s approach, explaining that the BMC has devised solutions to accommodate accessibility concerns. In most cases, footpaths are being tapered to align with building entrances while ensuring they remain walkable. For structures where this adjustment is not feasible, residents have been encouraged to construct ramps within their premises without encroaching onto public space. Officials have also assured that individual cases will be assessed to avoid undue hardship for residents. Despite these assurances, the policy’s implementation has raised deeper concerns regarding the city’s planning process. Critics argue that inconsistencies in urban planning have led to this predicament. Several activists and urban planners have questioned the BMC’s approval of building plans where entrances are higher than road levels, only for the same civic body to later alter road heights, creating accessibility challenges. The lack of coordination between different civic departments has come under scrutiny, with calls for a more structured and inclusive planning process that prevents such issues from arising in the first place.
The debate also extends to questions of uniform enforcement. Some citizens allege that commercial establishments continue to raise footpath levels outside their premises without facing the same regulatory action, putting pedestrians at risk. Activists stress that the policy should be uniformly applied and accompanied by strict monitoring to prevent selective enforcement. Meanwhile, urban advocacy groups have welcomed the BMC’s decision to clear footpaths of obstructions but emphasised the need for a balanced approach. Experts believe that while pedestrian-first policies are crucial for a sustainable and accessible city, they must be accompanied by holistic planning that takes into account the needs of all stakeholders. Legal experts have also weighed in, reminding the authorities that footpath regulations must align with national accessibility guidelines. Advocate Jamshed Mistry, an amicus curiae in the Bombay High Court’s footpath bollard case, pointed out that the BMC must adhere to established norms under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, to ensure equitable urban infrastructure. He called for greater transparency and consultation with advisory committees before implementing such sweeping changes.
Mumbai’s transition towards a pedestrian-friendly city is a crucial step in the broader vision of sustainable and inclusive urban development. However, its success will depend on how effectively the BMC can balance pedestrian interests with urban accessibility challenges. While the removal of footpath ramps marks a significant push towards reclaiming public spaces for walkers, it also underscores the pressing need for a more integrated and foresighted approach to city planning. The road ahead demands greater coordination, public consultation, and policy refinement to create an equitable and truly accessible Mumbai.
