Navi Mumbai residents in Kharkopar are grappling with significant inconvenience after the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) closed a crucial pedestrian path adjoining its Mass Housing Project site. The pathway, which connects housing sectors to the Kharkopar railway station, has been barricaded since October 23, forcing daily commuters, senior citizens, and office-goers to navigate longer, potentially hazardous detours along busy roads.
The closure notice, displayed in English, Marathi, and Hindi, states that the path is “temporarily closed” due to construction activities linked to the CIDCO Mass Housing Project. While officials cite safety as the primary reason for the decision, locals argue that the absence of an alternate walkway or prior consultation has compromised pedestrian safety and convenience. A senior resident from Sector 15, said, “Earlier, it took me five minutes to reach Kharkopar station. Now it takes 15 minutes, and after dark, walking past construction vehicles is risky.” Daily commuters echoed her concerns, highlighting that heavy vehicles and construction machinery along the temporary detour pose real dangers. “CIDCO should have created a temporary path or at least informed people beforehand,” said Rohit Sharma, who uses the route daily.
Urban planning experts note that pedestrian infrastructure is a critical component of equitable and sustainable urban development. “A planned city must integrate safety and accessibility for all, even during large-scale construction,” said an urban mobility consultant. The absence of proactive measures can erode trust and reduce walkability, particularly affecting women, elderly residents, and people with disabilities. CIDCO officials maintain that the closure is necessary due to excavation, machinery, and drainage adjustments, and emphasised that it is temporary. An official said, “The path will reopen once major groundwork is completed. Public safety remains our priority.” However, residents are calling for a clear timeline and temporary access arrangements until the walkway is restored.
The Kharkopar Mass Housing Project, part of a state-supported affordable housing initiative, has accelerated development in the area, but civic coordination has struggled to keep pace with construction activity. Residents argue that balancing infrastructure expansion with pedestrian safety is essential to maintain the city’s sustainable growth trajectory. For now, the temporary closure highlights a broader challenge in rapidly developing urban areas: integrating inclusive, safe, and accessible pedestrian networks alongside large-scale housing projects. Experts suggest that even provisional walkways or clear communication about alternative routes can significantly reduce risk while sustaining public confidence.
Navi Mumbai Residents Fume As CIDCO Closes Kharkopar Pedestrian Path Temporarily
