Mumbai, a bustling metropolis, continues to grapple with inadequate urban infrastructure, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. The city’s chaotic streets, often dominated by vehicles, present significant challenges for those seeking to navigate the city on foot or by bicycle. At a recent event hosted by the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary, Sujata Saunik, acknowledged the city’s infrastructure deficiencies.
She emphasized that Mumbai is not designed to be pedestrian or cyclist-friendly, and the urgent task now is to determine how the city can transition towards a more walkable and bikeable environment. Saunik underscored the importance of sustainable urban development as a key priority for Mumbai’s future. She stressed the need to design or at least plan a city where industries are powered by renewable energy and green spaces are integrated into urban areas. Sustainable urbanization means creating a more inclusive city that addresses both the needs of its residents and environmental concerns. However, Saunik acknowledged that significant challenges remain, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists who must navigate the city’s often unsafe infrastructure.
The French Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, brought attention to Mumbai’s unique environmental vulnerabilities. As a coastal city, Mumbai is especially at risk from rising sea levels, which could submerge up to 10% of its land in the next 50 years. Mathou emphasized the urgent need to address ecological concerns. Saunik shared Maharashtra’s enthusiasm for collaborating with France to improve Mumbai’s public transportation, making the metro network more cohesive and addressing the city’s broader environmental and infrastructure challenges. As Mumbai continues to grow and develop, the need for better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure has become increasingly evident. Civic groups, environmentalists, and government officials agree that addressing these issues is crucial for a greener and more inclusive city. However, whether meaningful action will follow remains uncertain. Despite the challenges, there is a shared hope that Mumbai can transform into a city that is not only walkable and bikeable but also sustainable for future generations.
